Vietnam’s U23 team began their Asiad 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Kuwait, despite holding a commanding advantage in ball possession and shot volume. They enjoyed 63 percent possession and attempted 27 shots, compared with Kuwait’s 10. Yet coach Dinh Hong Vinh’s side converted only one of those chances. Five of their efforts hit the woodwork, including three off the crossbar and two off the posts, fueling frustration among supporters who debated whether misfortune or poor finishing cost them a victory.
Online discussions quickly focused on Vietnam’s inability to convert their dominance into goals. A user on Thailand’s Pantip forum described the team’s play as strong but criticized their finishing as rushed, hinting that the pressure of high expectations may have contributed to their struggles. The Buriram Prankster page, which has over 200,000 followers, agreed, arguing that while Vietnam played well, they lacked the precision needed to capitalize on their chances.
An analyst on the Malaysian-based ASEAN Football page noted that Vietnam’s traditional strength lies in counterattacks, particularly against physically stronger opponents from West Asia. However, this tournament’s seeding, where they were expected to dominate, may have created additional pressure. Their strong performance in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, where they reached the top four, has raised expectations but also introduced new challenges.
Football expert Doan Minh Xuong called the draw disappointing, given Kuwait’s relatively weaker profile. He pointed to finishing efficiency as a major issue and suggested that Vietnam’s reliance on a 3-4-3 formation, designed for defensive stability and counterattacks, might not suit deeper-defending teams. Xuong proposed experimenting with systems like 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 to better adapt to different defensive structures.
The match also exposed Vietnam’s attacking intent despite limited preparation time. While they created enough opportunities to win, their failure to convert, especially against the woodwork, highlighted a need for more consistent execution. Their upcoming fixtures, against the Philippines on September 18 and Uzbekistan on September 22, will determine whether they can sustain their possession and pressure without depending on luck.
South Korea’s XSport News acknowledged Vietnam’s aggressive approach, praising their sustained pressure on Kuwait. The report added a humorous remark, suggesting that Vietnam might lack the “special spark” often associated with South Korean coach Kim Sang Sik. The draw has sparked debate among fans and analysts: does it reflect bad fortune, or does it signal deeper tactical and mental hurdles moving forward?