Live U23 Vietnam vs U23 Uzbekistan (12:00): Coach Dinh Hong Vinh makes 2 changes

At 12:00 Vietnam time, U23 Vietnam face U23 Uzbekistan in the final Group C match of men's football at Asiad 2026. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh made two changes: Nguyen Le Phat replaces Quoc Viet as central striker, and Le Dinh Long Vu replaces Phi Hoang at left back. A draw is enough to advance, but the changes suggest a proactive plan, not passive calculation. Group C after two rounds: Uzbekistan have 6 points and a +6 goal difference. Vietnam have 4 points and a +2 goal difference. Kuwait have 1 point, and Philippines are eliminated with 0 points. A draw secures a quarterfinal spot for Vietnam; a win secures first place. A defeat would create dependence on the simultaneous Philippines vs Kuwait match. Uzbekistan already qualified with 7 goals scored in two matches. They beat Philippines 5-1 and Kuwait 2-0, playing from the 48th minute with ten men after a red card. That display showed their squad depth, tactical discipline and ability to manage different match states. Vietnam cannot expect a draw to arrive by itself. The likely Vietnam structure: goalkeeper Cao Van Binh; back three of Duc Anh, Nguyen Hoang and Pham Ly Duc; left back Le Dinh Long Vu; central midfielders Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong and Xuan Bac; wide forwards Ngoc My and Thanh Nhan; striker Nguyen Le Phat. Quoc Viet and Phi Hoang are available as impact substitutes. The biggest risk is false security. Uzbekistan may rotate some positions but will still keep their core spine. If Vietnam defend too deep, Uzbekistan have enough quality to punish them. Vietnam's best route is a compact mid-block, disciplined central midfield and fast transitions through Ngoc My and Thanh Nhan, who have both scored at the tournament. In two matches, Vietnam have already shown they can hurt opponents on the break and stay organised under pressure. Previous U22 meetings in 2026 ended 0-0 and 1-0 for Uzbekistan. Those results show Vietnam can compete if they keep their structure. The first 20 minutes, the reaction to an early goal and the final 30 minutes will define the match. Vietnam only need to protect one point, but they must actively protect it rather than wait for it. A quarterfinal place would be a meaningful achievement for this generation of Vietnamese U23 players. It would strengthen the national youth pipeline and raise the profile of players such as Ngoc My, Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Le Phat and Le Dinh Long Vu. The match is a decisive test of mentality, tactical awareness and collective responsibility.