Chinese media asserts that Vietnam's U23 team will determine the championship outcome.

Chinese media collectively issued noteworthy assessments about the tournament's situation, emphasizing that Vietnam's U23 could become the "deciding factor" for the title.

In the second match of the CFA Team China 2026 international friendly tournament in Xi'an on March 28 evening, China's U23 disappointed by drawing 1-1 with North Korea's U23. The host team conceded early in the 23rd minute from Ryang Kwang Myong's shot, before struggling to equalize only through Xiang Yuwang's penalty in the 86th minute.

Immediately after the match, major Chinese newspapers frankly pointed out many issues of their team. 163 Sports assessed: "China's U23 lacked focus at the start and somewhat underestimated the opponent. They noted that this team was overwhelmed for most of the time, especially in the first 20 minutes when North Korea's U23 dominated ball control and continuously exploited the right flank, which was also a clear weakness of the defense."

Meanwhile, Sohu highlighted worrying signs of decline. Statistics show China's U23 conceded 7 goals in just the last 3 matches—something unprecedented since Coach Antonio took charge. Defensive errors, particularly on the right side, have become a "deadly weakness" causing the team to repeatedly pay the price.

Sina Sports even stated: "The draw against North Korea's U23 involved considerable luck, as the equalizer came only from a penalty in the final minutes." This newspaper stressed that failing to win two consecutive matches demonstrates performance below expectations, and the absence of key players cannot serve as an excuse.

Notably, Chinese media paid special attention to the standings situation. After two matches, Thailand's U23 leads temporarily with 4 points, while China's U23 and North Korea's U23 both have 2 points, and Vietnam's U23 has only 1 point, ranking last.

Nevertheless, Vietnam's U23 is evaluated as a "dangerous unknown." Sina Sports asserted: "The final match against Vietnam's U23 will truly be the decisive turning point for the championship. With the point gap not too large, all scenarios remain entirely possible, and Vietnam's U23 itself could become the team that determines the final outcome."

Also in the second match, Vietnam's U23 narrowly lost to Thailand's U23 by one goal scored in the 25th second of the match. This defeat officially eliminated Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh's team from championship contention despite having one match left.