Coach Dinh Hong Vinh aims for a strong start in the tournament with a powerful lineup
Category: Sports
U23 Vietnam is set to face U23 Kuwait in their opening match of the ASIAD 2026 at 17:00 on September 15, 2026, in Japan. The team, coached by Dinh Hong Vinh, has prepared under tight time constraints but fields a squad featuring many players who participated in the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year.
This match is particularly important as the two teams are competing in Group C, which also includes U23 Uzbekistan and U23 Philippines, with the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals. U23 Vietnam, having secured third place in the U23 Asian Championship 2026, is considered a top seed, but faces a formidable opponent in U23 Kuwait, who has the advantage of including three over-age players in their squad.
According to ELO data, U23 Vietnam has a 40.3% chance of winning, which is marginally higher than Kuwait's 34.6%. The likelihood of a draw stands at 25.1%. This closely matched scenario sets the stage for a competitive encounter.
U23 Kuwait's strategy includes leveraging their physical advantages and the experience of their three over-age players, which adds depth and strength to their attack. Coach David Doniga's squad has been preparing intensively, having spent nearly a week acclimatizing in Japan. In comparison, U23 Vietnam's preparation has been shorter, creating potential challenges at the start of the match.
In terms of team composition, U23 Vietnam's starting lineup features key players such as forwards Nguyen Le Phat, Quoc Viet, and Thanh Nhan, with Nguyen Ngoc My on the bench. The midfield quartet includes Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, and Pham Minh Phuc, all of whom played a prominent role in the recent U23 Asian Championship. The defensive line is anchored by Lê Nguyên Hoàng, Nguyen Duc Anh, and captain Pham Ly Duc, with Cao Van Binh in goal.
U23 Vietnam enters this tournament with a solid foundation from their recent performance in the U23 Asian Championship, where they finished third. This achievement has provided the team with valuable international experience, which they hope to leverage against Kuwait, a team that did not qualify for the same tournament.
Historically, U23 Vietnam has faced U23 Kuwait once at the U23 level, winning 3-1 in the group stage of the U23 Asian Championship 2024. This prior victory could serve as a psychological advantage, though both teams have undergone changes since then. U23 Vietnam's current squad includes players like Cao Van Binh, Ly Duc, and Quang Kiet, who have shown their capabilities in international competitions.
U23 Kuwait's preparation has been distinct, utilizing their three over-age players to bolster their squad's experience and physicality, which they aim to exploit in this match. The inclusion of these seasoned players could shift the dynamics of the game, particularly in high-pressure situations.
As the match approaches, both teams are focused on their strategies. U23 Vietnam aims to control the game through quick ball movement and technical play, avoiding prolonged physical confrontations that could favor Kuwait's stronger players. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized the need for patience and strategic play, especially if an early goal is not achieved.
The outcome of this match will be a key indicator of U23 Vietnam's potential in the tournament. A win would boost their confidence and position them favorably for the remaining matches in Group C. Conversely, a loss could complicate their path to the knockout stages.
The match is anticipated to be closely contested, with both teams needing to capitalize on their strengths. U23 Vietnam's ability to maintain composure and execute their game plan will be tested against a physically imposing Kuwaiti side. The stakes are high, and the players are aware that a strong start is imperative for advancing in the tournament.
In the lead-up to the match, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh stated, "Our goal is to progress as far as possible in this tournament. We respect our opponents and will give our all to achieve the best results. The first goal is to get through the group stage before aiming for more." This determination reflects the team's commitment to success at ASIAD 2026.