Coach Dinh Hong Vinh not satisfied despite Vietnam reaching ASIAD 2026 quarterfinals

On the afternoon of September 22, at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Vietnam lost 0-2 to Uzbekistan in the final group-stage match of Group C at the 2026 Asian Games. The defeat did not stop coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team from advancing to the quarterfinals, as the Philippines beat Kuwait 2-1 in a simultaneous match. Vietnam finished second in Group C with four points, one point ahead of the Philippines and three behind Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan was considered the toughest opponent in Group C because of its physicality, strength and pressing game. Vietnam started cautiously, but only kept things level for five minutes. From a gap in the middle, Mohammadali Urinboev finished calmly to open the scoring. The early goal forced Vietnam to push forward. During most of the first half, Vietnam controlled more possession and shifted the ball wide to find spaces around the box. Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong and Nguyen Ngoc My had dangerous attempts, but they were either blocked or missed the target. The most frustrating moment came when Nguyen Thanh Nhan put the ball in the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. After the match, Dinh Hong Vinh explained that Vietnam intended to play cautiously against a strong opponent. When Uzbekistan raised the tempo, a brief lapse in concentration led to the goal. He said the game could have been different if Vietnam had converted their early chances. That is why he was not completely satisfied despite the team reaching the quarterfinals. In the 35th minute, central midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac left the pitch due to injury. It was a major blow because Bac helped control the tempo, protect the defense and link defense with attack. Without him, Vietnam could not sustain pressure. Their attacking moves became predictable, and the first half ended without an equalizer. In the second half, Uzbekistan slowed the game and defended deep, while remaining dangerous on the counterattack. In the 68th minute, Ibraimov dribbled past Pham Ly Duc and fired a shot from inside the box, beating goalkeeper Cao Van Binh. The second goal made it even more difficult for Vietnam, though they kept trying until the final whistle. Despite the 0-2 loss, the Philippines' 2-1 victory over Kuwait meant Vietnam secured second place in Group C. Uzbekistan topped the group with five points, Vietnam had four, and the Philippines had three. Kuwait were eliminated. Vietnam had fulfilled their first objective, but Dinh Hong Vinh remained worried about the team's performance. Statistics from the group stage were telling: Vietnam attempted 51 shots, with only 17 on target, and scored three goals. The low conversion rate stopped them from earning more comfortable wins and explained why they could not find a way back against Uzbekistan. The coach admitted the team was still slow in rhythm, ineffective in attack and not good enough in the final third. Dinh Hong Vinh was pleased with the players' attitude and fighting spirit, but the team had only three days of preparation before the tournament. That limited their cohesion. He said the younger players would gain valuable experience, especially when mixed with the group that will take part in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals. Looking at the squad, Vietnam must check on the fitness of Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong in addition to Nguyen Xuan Bac. Both are important for midfield and attack. The medical staff will work with the coaching staff to find replacements in time for the quarterfinal. The opponent is not fully known yet because it depends on the result of South Korea's match against Saudi Arabia in the final round of Group D. If South Korea avoid defeat, they will finish top of the group and face Vietnam. If Saudi Arabia win, Vietnam could meet the Group D runner-up instead. South Korea are regarded as the strongest candidates for the men's football gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. They have the best squad in the tournament, reinforced by three quality over-age players. They also have strong motivation because winning gold would grant the players an exemption from mandatory military service under South Korean law. Therefore, Vietnam will face a huge challenge regardless of whether they meet South Korea or Saudi Arabia. Dinh Hong Vinh said Vietnam would prepare mentally for any opponent. The priority is to recover the players' physical condition and review the injured positions. He does not want the team to pay for fitness problems in a knockout round where a single mistake can end the tournament. Vietnam's quarterfinal will take place on September 25 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. It is the same ground where they played in the group stage, so they do not have to travel far. That is a small advantage, but the more important factor is focus and mentality under growing pressure. Based on the group stage, Vietnam have yet to produce a fully convincing display. Football, however, is full of unexpected turns. If they improve their finishing and keep their defense solid, they can surprise in the quarterfinal. The biggest challenge is not the opponent but their ability to overcome their own limitations.