Vietnam's U23 team faced seven national team players from North Korea.

The opening match draw demonstrated the resilience of Vietnam's U23 team against one of the most experienced opponents in the friendly tournament in China.

Right in the opening match of the CFA Team China 2026 tournament, Vietnam's U23 team left many positive signals by drawing with North Korea's U23, a team rated quite highly for both experience and personnel quality. The red-shirted squad not only played resiliently but also showed a noteworthy ability to seize opportunities against an opponent possessing many players who have competed at the national team level.

Nguyen Minh Tam's opening goal came from a neat finishing move inside the penalty area, allowing Vietnam's U23 to establish an advantage quite early. Although North Korea's U23 later found an equalizer in the second half through a convincing individual effort, the overall performance of coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team was sufficient to bring much hope. More importantly, this draw clearly reflected the disparity in strength that Vietnam's U23 overcame through spirit and organized play.

In reality, North Korea's U23 did not come to China with a trial squad. Coach Kim Yong Jun brought a very strong lineup to prepare for ASIAD 20, including up to seven national team players. Many among them have not only been called up to the national team but also regularly played, even starting at the highest level. This gives the East Asian team a foundation of composure and match experience superior to most of Vietnam's young U23 players.

The most prominent in North Korea's U23 lineup is center-back Kim Yu Song, a national team player currently valued at 450 thousand Euros, equivalent to over 13 billion Vietnamese Dong. He currently plays for Amnokgang SC Kim Yu Song and is considered one of the most notable figures on North Korea's U23 side, also far surpassing most Vietnamese football center-backs in valuation. This is a defensive pillar that clearly shows the caliber of the lineup Vietnam's U23 had to face.

Partnering Kim Yu Song is Jong Hwi Nam, who has also established his own place in the national team early. On the right flank, Choe Ryong-Il, a player currently playing for 4.25 SC, continues to show the model of a modern defender with robust stamina and impressive technique. In the midfield, Kuk Choe, born in 2005, is regarded as one of the brightest talents in North Korean football in recent years.

Additionally, left midfielder Ri Il-song is also a very notable name valued at 400 thousand Euros, approximately 12 billion Vietnamese Dong. Compared to the opponent, Vietnam's U23 entered the tournament with a very young squad. Only Cao Van Binh, Nguyen Cong Phuong, and Le Van Thuan possessed experience from the 2026 Asian U23 Championship and SEA Games 33. Meanwhile, Tran Thanh Trung was highly valued while playing in Bulgaria but has not had many standout performances in V-League.

Against a highly-rated opponent, Vietnam's U23 still knew how to leave a mark through courage and efficiency in their play. A point on the opening day thus not only carries result significance but is also a positive signal for the next journey, specifically the encounter with Thailand's U23 on March 28.