AFC U23 Asia Cup Semifinal: Vietnam U23 0–3 China U23

Vietnam U23 0–3 China U23: Tactical Superiority on Display

For Illustration Purpose Only

China U23 delivered a composed and dominant performance to defeat Vietnam U23 3–0, controlling the match through structure, tempo, and efficiency in both phases of play.

Match Overview

Vietnam U23 started with intent, looking to press high and play vertically, but China U23 quickly asserted control by circulating the ball patiently and exploiting spaces left behind Vietnam’s aggressive positioning. Once the opening goal arrived, the tactical balance tilted firmly in China’s favour.

China U23: Structure, Control, and Transitions

China U23 set up in a compact 4-2-3-1, with the double pivot playing a crucial role in dictating tempo and protecting the back line. In possession, the fullbacks pushed high while the wingers stayed wide, stretching Vietnam’s defensive block horizontally.

Key tactical strengths:

> Midfield superiority: The double pivot consistently bypassed Vietnam’s first press, allowing clean progression into the final third.

> Wide overloads: Wingers and overlapping fullbacks created 2v1 situations, forcing Vietnam’s fullbacks deep.

> Clinical transitions: After turnovers, China attacked quickly through central channels, punishing Vietnam’s disorganised rest defence.

Defensively, China U23 defended in a mid-block, denying central access and forcing Vietnam to play predictable wide passes, which were easily dealt with by the centre-backs.

Vietnam U23: Effort Without Control

Vietnam U23 attempted to disrupt China’s rhythm with high pressing and quick counters, but the lack of compactness between midfield and defence proved costly. When the press was broken, large spaces appeared between the lines, allowing China’s attacking midfielders to receive on the half-turn.

Tactical issues for Vietnam:

> Disconnected press: The front line pressed without midfield support.

> Poor defensive transitions: Lost duels in midfield led directly to dangerous counter-attacks.

> Limited attacking variety: Heavy reliance on crosses and long balls made their attacks predictable.

Key Turning Points

> First goal: Opened the game and forced Vietnam to chase, increasing exposure at the back.

> Second goal: Came from a fast transition, highlighting China’s superior positional discipline.

> Third goal: Killed the match, as Vietnam’s defensive shape collapsed late on.

Conclusion

China U23’s 3–0 victory was a textbook example of tactical discipline meeting execution. Their control of midfield, intelligent wide play, and ruthless transitions proved too much for a spirited but tactically stretched Vietnam U23 side.

For Vietnam U23, the defeat underlined the need for better pressing cohesion and more controlled build-up play against structured opponents.