Vietnam reach ASIAD 2026 quarter-finals after 0-2 loss to Uzbekistan: Coach Dinh Hong Vinh faces the finishing problem

Five minutes into the match at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Mohammadali Urinboev scored to put Uzbekistan ahead. Vietnam conceded an early goal and spent the rest of the first half chasing the game. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh believed the outcome could have been different if Vietnam had converted their first-half chances. Vietnam controlled possession after the early setback. Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong and Nguyen Ngoc My both had attempts, but their shots were blocked or missed the target. Nguyen Thanh Nhan put the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The decision caused frustration, yet the assistant referee had raised the flag before the ball crossed the line. In offside situations, the only valid reference is the moment of the pass. The crowd sees the ball in the net; the referee sees the whole process. Vietnam lost midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac to injury in the 35th minute. His departure weakened Vietnam's ability to keep the tempo and transition from defence to attack. In the second half, Ibraimov scored in the 68th minute after dribbling past Pham Ly Duc and finishing from close range. Cao Van Binh could not keep the shot out. Vietnam eventually lost 0-2 but still advanced to the quarter-finals because the Philippines beat Kuwait 2-1 in the same group. Vietnam finished second in Group C with four points, one point more than the Philippines and five points behind Uzbekistan. The team had 51 shots in three group-stage matches, with 17 on target and three goals. Those numbers show that Vietnam can reach dangerous areas, but they also reveal a lack of efficiency in the final third. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh admitted that the team were slow in their transition play and failed to hurt opponents inside their penalty area. Vietnam will now prepare for a difficult quarter-final, most likely against South Korea. South Korea only need a draw against Saudi Arabia to top Group D. They are considered gold-medal contenders because they brought three quality overage players to the ASIAD 2026 squad, and their players have extra motivation because a gold medal grants them exemption from mandatory military service. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said the team would prepare mentally for any opponent. His immediate priorities are recovery and finding replacements for Xuan Bac and Quoc Cuong. The 0-2 loss to Uzbekistan was not a disaster. It was a reminder that football matches are decided by precise moments, not by possession statistics. Vietnam need to be colder in front of goal and more disciplined in key defensive moments. With proper recovery and tactical adjustments, they still have a chance to make history in Nagoya on September 25.