Coach Dinh Hong Vinh: Whoever U23 Vietnam meet in Asiad 2026 quarterfinals, they are ready

Nagoya, Japan – In the 6th minute, Vietnam U23 conceded the opening goal against Uzbekistan in their Group C match at the 2026 Asian Games. A high-tempo move, a fast transition, and a defence that did not get set in time. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh did not blame fitness, even though the Nagoya heat had tested both teams. He spoke about tempo, about the opponent's cohesion, and about two injuries in the centre of midfield. Vietnam U23 lost 0-2 but still advanced to the quarterfinals. Uzbekistan won all three group games. The coach praised the opponent for keeping almost the same squad from the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, which gave them continuity and automatic patterns. Vietnam started cautiously, but that caution created a dangerous slow start. After the goal, Vietnam regained control and created chances in the first half. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh admitted that failing to equalize at that moment changed the game. The core insight: Vietnam U23 enter the quarterfinals with their double pivot broken. Xuan Bac and Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong are injured. Xuan Bac was the player who controlled transition rhythm. Without both, the team loses more than personnel; it loses its structural mechanism. Based on my experience watching Vietnam U23 in this tournament, the team has been forced to rotate in every match. Short preparation, a blend of returning and new players, and the promotion of key U23 talents to the senior team have left gaps. The coach sees this as necessary and says the new squad will progress in the future. The quarterfinal on September 25 is a huge test. The potential opponents, South Korea or Saudi Arabia, have clear advantages in quality and depth. But in knockout football, set pieces, individual errors, or one decisive moment can change everything. Vietnam U23 no longer carry the pressure of must-win group games. The real question is whether they have learned enough from the 0-2 loss, the injuries, and the heat to deliver a complete performance. The answer starts in Nagoya.