Chinese media expressed astonishment regarding Vietnam's 1.81m tall Croatian forward

The inclusion of Vietnamese diaspora forward Antonio Moric in the Vietnam U23 squad has surprised Chinese media and prompted them to show particular caution towards this "secret weapon".

The CFA Team China Cup 2026 friendly tournament in Xi'an is becoming the focal point of regional media, especially the rematch between China U23 and Vietnam U23. However, contrary to predictions of a fiery clash to determine superiority, Chinese press is focusing attention on unusual developments from the Southeast Asian side.

The website 163 showed particular interest in the squad list called up by coach Đinh Hồng Vinh. They straightforwardly assessed: "This is clearly a completely new version of the Vietnam U23 team; calling it the Vietnam U21 team would not be an exaggeration".

According to analysis by the media outlet, because the key players who recently won the Asian U23 Bronze medal are busy training with coach Kim Sang-sik at the national team, Vietnam decided to send players born in 2005/2006 to China. The personnel shortage was so severe that "it was truly surprising; on the first day of training, the Vietnam U23 team was missing up to seven players" due to club competition commitments, forcing the coaching staff to urgently supplement faces from the U19 generation.

One of the aspects that most surprised Chinese media was the attitude of Vietnam U23. Instead of harboring intentions to settle the debt from the Asian Cup semifinal earlier this year, the red-shirted team approached the tournament with an extremely calm mindset. 163 headline exclaimed: "Vietnam U23 team focuses, does not mention revenge".

Quoting coach Đinh Hồng Vinh's words, Chinese media emphasized that this is "the beginning of a new cycle", where Vietnam prioritizes nurturing reserve talent over immediate results. Even Vietnamese experts admit "Vietnam U23 will face a very strong Chinese team", showing absolute respect for the host team.

While evaluating the experience of Vietnam's young players as low, Chinese media is particularly wary of one name: Vietnamese diaspora forward Antonio Moric. Reporter Wang Xiaorui commented: "This promises to be a threat on Vietnam U23's attacking line".

The appearance of a player with Croatian-Vietnamese dual heritage in this youthful squad is seen as an interesting "variable". Although coach Đinh Hồng Vinh still needs time to assess Moric's adaptation ability at the U23 level, clearly his presence has made opponents at the Team China Cup pay attention.

The highlight match between Vietnam U23 and China U23 will take place on March 31st. With a "brand new" squad and a mindset free from "revenge" pressure, can Vietnam's young U21 generation players create a surprise against the host team brimming with momentum?