U22 Vietnam tied U22 Korea: 1-1

At 2:30 p.m. on March 20, the U22 Vietnam team had their opening match against the U22 Korea team, at the U22 CFA Team China 2025 international friendly tournament held in Jiangsu, China. Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by their opponents, U22 Vietnam still deserved much praise.

In the opening match, coach Dinh Hong Vinh used a trio of strikers, notably the appearance of overseas Vietnamese Le Viktor, Thanh Nhan and Quoc Viet. Captain Van Truong, Xuan Bac and Phi Hoang covered the midfield while the goalkeeping position was assigned to goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, with the defenders including Le Van Ha, Hieu Minh, Nhat Minh and Hong Phuc.

With superior advantages in physique, physical strength and good technique, the U22 Korean players were the dominant team in the first 20 minutes of the match. Faced with the fierce play and pressure of the opponent, the U22 Vietnamese players steadfastly defended and seized opportunities in several counter-attack situations.

In the 21st minute, young striker Thanh Nhan had a beautiful long-range shot, the ball hit the Korean U22 goalkeeper and was pushed out, striker Quoc Viet quickly appeared to cushion the ball into the net but unfortunately the goal was not recognized by the referee.

In the 25th minute, striker Thanh Nhan continued to have a beautiful long-range shot for the second time but still could not get past goalkeeper Lim Junsub.

The U22 Vietnam players continued to confidently hold the ball, balance the game and continue to organize a few counter-attacks at the end of the first half but no goals were scored. The first half temporarily ended with a goalless draw.

In the second half, minute 52, after a well-coordinated counterattack, Thanh Nhan finally scored the opening goal 1-0 for U22 Vietnam from a dangerous shot within 16m50.

In the 75th minute, coach Dinh Hong Vinh decided to give Quang Vinh and Van Cuong a chance to replace Xuan Bac and Van Ha. With the added force, U22 Vietnam continued to maintain a balanced game. Unfortunately, all the efforts of Thanh Nhan and her teammates could not stop U22 Korea from equalizing 1-1 at the end of the second half. This was also the final score of the match.

On March 23, U22 Vietnam will enter the second match with U22 Uzbekistan within the framework of the international friendly tournament U22 CFA Team China 2025.

Tuan Ngoc