Coach Dinh Hong Vinh Unhappy Despite Vietnam Reaching the ASIAD 2026 Quarter-finals

Vietnam reached the ASIAD 2026 quarter-finals as runners-up in Group C, but the 0-2 defeat against Uzbekistan in the final group match left head coach Dinh Hong Vinh with several concerns. Vietnam created opportunities, yet its inability to convert them remained the clearest weakness after three group games. At Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya on September 22, Vietnam faced Uzbekistan, the strongest opponent in Group C. Uzbekistan took the lead in the fifth minute through Mohammadali Urinboev. Vietnam then pushed forward, regained confidence and created openings, but Nguyễn Thái Quốc Cường and Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ failed to find the target or saw their efforts blocked. Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn also had a goal ruled out for offside. Dinh Hong Vinh said Vietnam had planned to start cautiously against a strong opponent. However, Uzbekistan increased the tempo and punished a brief lapse in concentration. Vietnam later controlled possession more effectively, but the early deficit forced the team to change its initial plan. “If our chances in the first half had become goals, the match could have developed differently,” Dinh Hong Vinh said. The injury to central midfielder Nguyễn Xuân Bắc in the 35th minute further complicated Vietnam’s task. Xuân Bắc had been important in controlling the rhythm, connecting defence with midfield and helping the team switch from defensive phases to attacks. After he left the field, Vietnam struggled to maintain pressure and became less effective in its transitions. Vietnam continued to seek an equaliser after the break, but Uzbekistan remained dangerous whenever it recovered possession. In the 68th minute, Ibraimov dribbled past Phạm Lý Đức inside the penalty area and struck a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Cao Văn Bình to double Uzbekistan’s lead. The goal highlighted the difference in efficiency between the two teams. Vietnam needed several passes and repeated attacks to approach the penalty area, while Uzbekistan turned one individual action into a decisive scoring opportunity. Despite losing 0-2, Vietnam advanced because the Philippines defeated Kuwait 2-1. Vietnam finished second in Group C with four points, five points behind Uzbekistan and one point ahead of the Philippines. The result confirmed Vietnam’s progress, but it also exposed several weaknesses. The team had only three days of preparation before the tournament and lacked fluency in its attacking structure. Vietnam also struggled to make its possession count in the final third. According to the available match statistics, Vietnam attempted 51 shots across the group stage, with only 17 on target, and scored three goals. The numbers point to problems with shot selection, final passes and decision-making near the opponent’s box. Dinh Hong Vinh admitted that Vietnam were still slow in their play and had not used the final third effectively. He nevertheless believes the younger players will improve through experience, especially when they are combined with members of the squad that participated in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals. The potential quarter-final opponent will be decided after South Korea play Saudi Arabia in Group D. South Korea need only a draw to finish first and could face Vietnam in the last eight. The East Asian side are considered one of the leading candidates for the gold medal because they have selected a strong squad, including three high-quality over-age players. South Korea also have an additional incentive. Winning the gold medal could allow their players to receive an exemption from mandatory military service under South Korean law. That motivation may make the quarter-final especially demanding for Vietnam. Dinh Hong Vinh said Vietnam would prepare mentally for any opponent. His immediate priorities are recovery and assessing the injuries suffered by Nguyễn Xuân Bắc and Nguyễn Thái Quốc Cường before deciding on replacements. Vietnam must improve its defensive distances, reduce dangerous turnovers in central areas and attack with greater speed. Possession alone will not be enough against a powerful opponent. Vietnam will need to create more players between the lines, move the ball faster and make its first clear chance count. The quarter-final will be played at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya on September 25. For Vietnam, the match offers an immediate opportunity to correct the shortcomings exposed against Uzbekistan. The decisive issue will be whether Vietnam can turn its next opportunities into goals before the opponent punishes its mistakes.