Vietnam U23 vs North Korea U23: Challenge from the 'Unknown' (March 25, 14:00)

Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized that the Vietnam U23 team's objective at the CFA Team China International Football Tournament is not short-term achievements, but focuses on perfecting their gameplay and fostering squad unity. North Korea U23 represents the initial test.

Regarding the significance of the tournament, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh noted this is a crucial opportunity for Vietnam U23 to gain experience and test themselves against high-quality regional opponents. "This tournament serves as an important competitive test, providing the team a chance to learn and accumulate experience when facing strong sides like China U23, North Korea U23, and Thailand U23."

Responding to host country media about the Vietnam U23 squad, Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh explained the lineup combines players with international experience and promising young talents. It includes individuals who competed at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals, such as Van Binh, Cong Phuong, Van Thuan..., alongside a rejuvenated group mainly aged 21.

"Our primary goal at this tournament is to improve technical and tactical aspects, and to build cohesion between the established and new players. Through this, we will gradually refine the squad for the next U23 generation, aiming for upcoming tournaments and building a foundation for the future," Coach Dinh Hong Vinh affirmed.

According to the schedule, the Vietnam U23 team will begin their campaign at the CFA Team China International Football Tournament – Xi'an 2026 against North Korea U23 at 14:00 on March 25. Unlike Thailand U23 and China U23, North Korea U23 is an unknown for Coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his players. In recent years, this team has not regularly participated in continental tournaments, making information gathering difficult for the coaching staff.

Despite the absence of striker Le Phat due to injury, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh still possesses key figures like goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, center-back Nguyen Hoang, and midfielders Cong Phuong, Thanh Trung, Ba Dat. Their experience playing in V-League is expected to help Vietnam U23 gradually "decode" North Korea U23, creating momentum for the subsequent matches against Thailand U23 and China U23.

It is predicted that Vietnam U23 will play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on ball control and exploiting space on the flanks. Meanwhile, North Korea U23 might employ a 4-4-2 setup to leverage their advantage in midfield battles.

Historical results lean towards North Korea, as Vietnam U23 previously suffered defeats against this opponent at the 2020 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals and the 2010 Asian Games. However, the youth and determination of the new generation of players are also formidable weapons. When unable to analyze the opponent through video, the key to victory for Vietnam U23 lies in maximizing their own capabilities and maintaining focus throughout the match.