Chinese media predicts outcome of rematch with Vietnam U23 team

163sports forecasts a 2-0 victory for China U23 over Vietnam U23, while acknowledging the match still holds many potential surprises.

Chinese media, particularly the website 163sports, has provided quite detailed analysis ahead of the final-round clash between China U23 and Vietnam U23 in the four-team friendly tournament held in Xi'an.

According to 163sports, despite not securing any wins after two matches (drawing both), China U23 still retains a full chance to compete for the championship. The host team currently has 2 points and is temporarily ranked second, while Thailand U23 leads with 4 points. In the final round, if China defeats Vietnam U23 and the match between Thailand and North Korea U23 ends without a decisive result, the situation could completely reverse.

This media outlet emphasizes that home advantage is a major pillar for China U23, despite the team missing over 10 key players due to injuries and national team duties. In the context of a depleted squad, the coaching staff is forced to use many reserve players, but expectations remain that they can maintain a controlling style of play and apply pressure against the opponent.

Regarding Vietnam U23, 163sports evaluates them as the team with the lowest form in the tournament after two rounds, having earned only 1 point. However, Chinese media also cautiously notes that the red-shirted team still possesses individuals capable of creating breakthroughs, especially if they improve their defensive capabilities, which showed many flaws in the previous loss to Thailand U23.

Notably, 163sports recalls China U23's 3-0 victory over Vietnam U23 in the Asian U23 Championship semifinals last January as a basis to reinforce confidence. Nevertheless, they also admit that both teams' squads have undergone many changes at present, making a similar scenario unlikely to repeat.

Based on squad strength comparison, current form, and home advantage, 163sports predicts China U23 will secure a 2-0 victory. This is considered a reasonable outcome, sufficient for the host team to keep hopes alive for competing for the championship, given the tournament standings still contain many unpredictable variables.