The Vietnã under-23 team drew 1-1 with the Coreia under-23 team from Norte this Wednesday in Xi’an, at China. The confrontation marked the debut of the Vietnamese team in the CFA Team China 2026 tournament.
The game took place at Xi’an International Football Center, starting at 2pm local time. The two teams played a balanced match, with Vietnã demonstrating good offensive volume in the first half. Coreia of Norte, known for their disciplined style, exploited quick counterattacks and managed to equalize the score.
- Nguyen Minh Tam scored the Vietnamese goal in the 10th minute of the opening half.
- Coreia’s equalizing goal came in the 69th minute.
- The match ended with the score equal after five minutes of added time.
- The stadium received moderate crowds for the international friendly.
First half performance
The team led by coach Đinh Hồng Vinh started the match with high intensity and created several opportunities. Nguyen Minh Tam took advantage of a quick move on the right side to open the scoring with a precise shot. The Vietnamese dominated possession in the opening minutes and put pressure on the North Korean defense.
Despite the advantage, the home team maintained tactical organization and avoided major risks. U23 Vietnã finished more times, but found it difficult to extend the score due to the tight marking. The break arrived with the score in favor of the Vietnamese.
Complementary step reactions
In the second half, Coreia of Norte adjusted its posture and started to occupy spaces better. The visitors exploited flaws in Vietnã’s defensive transition and equalized with a well-constructed goal in the 69th minute. The ball came in after an individual play that surprised the Vietnamese defense.
The Vietnamese players tried to react and sought victory in the final minutes. Substituições were carried out to refresh the attack, but the team was unable to convert the chances created. The match ended with equal distribution of opportunities for both sides.
The draw leaves clear lessons for the Vietnamese coaching staff, who noted points of improvement in concentration throughout the 90 minutes. The team is now preparing for its next commitments in the tournament, where it will seek to adjust tactical details observed in this debut.
Tactical and individual aspects
Nguyen Minh Tam stood out as the main name of the match by scoring the goal and creating constant danger. Outros Vietnamese midfield athletes contributed with good distribution, although the defensive sector showed instability in the second half. Coreia of Norte showed efficiency in counterattacks, a recurring feature in their presentations.
Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh opted for a lineup with an emphasis on game control, but will need to review the marking in transitions. Jogadores how the full-backs and midfielders played regularly, while the attack depended excessively on isolated plays. Coreia of Norte maintained collective discipline throughout the match.
Preparation and next steps
The U23 Vietnã team arrived at the clash after good training on Chinese soil and with a renewed squad. The CFA Team China 2026 tournament serves as an important test for the category’s development, especially after recent participation in continental competitions. The players demonstrated commitment, but the result points to the need for greater consistency.
The technical committee now analyzes the performance collected to define adjustments before the next game. The focus remains on the technical and tactical evolution of the youngest athletes, who represent the future of Vietnamese football. The draw serves as a reference to measure the competitive level against traditional Asian teams.
U23 Vietnã demonstrated the ability to create chances, but also revealed vulnerabilities that need to be fixed quickly. Coreia of Norte proved to be a tough opponent, capable of punishing any carelessness. Fans are eagerly following the team’s run in the international tournament.
Clash details
The Vietnamese goal came after a quick exchange of passes that destabilized the opposing defense. Minh Tam finished with class and put the ball in the back of the net. In the second half, Coreia from Norte equalized in a play that exploited space between the Vietnamese defenders.
Both teams avoided serious cards and kept the game clean. The referee managed the most disputed moves well. The stadium in Xi’an provided adequate conditions, with the pitch in good condition despite the tight schedule.
The match reinforces competitiveness in Asian under-23 football. Vietnã continues with positive points in attack, while Coreia of Norte confirms its tradition in balanced games. The coaches of both teams are already planning the necessary adjustments for the following rounds.
Result analysis
The 1-1 score reflects the balance seen on the field, with each side having moments of superiority. Vietnã led in the first half, but allowed the opponent to react in the final stage. Essa oscillation requires special attention from the technical committee in the upcoming preparations.
Key players like Minh Tam got important minutes and showed potential. The group is now directing efforts to consolidate collective performance. The tournament provides valuable opportunities for national team testing and development.
