Vietnam U22 had a valiant performance but unfortunately settled for a 1-1 draw against China U22 in the final match of the friendly tournament in Diêm Thành, China. This result prevented the young Vietnamese team from claiming the championship.
Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh expresses disappointment as Vietnam U22 misses the chance to win the championship.
Promising Start, Unfortunate Ending
Vietnam U22 began the match confidently, controlling the game well in the first half. Quốc Việt’s goal in the 32nd minute gave Vietnam the lead. However, a lack of focus in the closing stages presented an opportunity for China U22 to equalize. In the 69th minute, a careless clearance by Hồng Phúc resulted in a penalty, allowing the hosts to draw level at 1-1. Even more frustratingly, in the 73rd minute, Vietnam U22 gained a numerical advantage when Yixuan Zhang of the Chinese team received a red card.
Aggressive Play, Limited Impact
Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh praised the U22 Vietnam players’ spirited performance: “We proactively implemented our game plan, organized a tight defense, and executed good transitions effectively. The players followed the strategy, maintained the right formation, and created several dangerous opportunities.” However, a lack of effectiveness in the final minutes forced Vietnam U22 to settle for a draw.
Valuable Lessons for the Future
Despite missing the championship, Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh emphasized that the tournament provided valuable experience for the young Vietnamese players. He stated, “This tournament has given the players more international match experience, especially in dealing with opponents with different physiques and playing styles. The players have improved their match control, maintained focus, and enhanced their coordination within the tactical system.”
Vision for the Future of Vietnam U22
The valuable lessons learned in this friendly tournament will help Vietnam U22 prepare better for the U23 Asian Qualifiers and the SEA Games this year. The match also allowed the young players to experiment with different lineups, assess their capabilities, and refine their tactics in a real-world competitive setting. The players’ confidence and match control in today’s game are a positive sign for the future.
Conclusion: Vietnam U22 demonstrated determination and notable progress in their match against China U22, yet didn’t achieve the optimal effectiveness needed for a victory. This tournament provided invaluable lessons and international experience for the young players, helping them better prepare for bigger goals in the future.
