Vietnam approached the game cautiously against a stronger Uzbekistan side but found themselves under pressure from the outset. Uzbekistan took the lead in the fifth minute when Muhammadali Urinboev’s effort found the net, leaving goalkeeper Cao Van Binh unable to keep it out.

After falling behind, Vietnam pushed for an equalizer. Thanh Nhan found the net in the 14th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, while Ngoc My also threatened with a long-range effort.

Vietnam suffered another setback in the 34th minute when midfielder Xuan Bac was forced off with an injury.

Dinh Hong Vinh’s side continued to press after the break, but Quoc Viet failed to capitalize on a good opportunity in the 53rd minute.

With Vietnam still searching for an equalizer, Uzbekistan doubled their advantage in the 68th minute through a decisive finish from Nurlan Ibraimov.

Despite the defeat, Vietnam achieved their objective of advancing after finishing the group stage with four points.

The Philippines’ 2-1 victory over Kuwait in the simultaneous Group C fixture confirmed Vietnam’s place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games.

Goals

Uzbekistan: Urinboev (5'), Nurlan Ibraimov (68')

Starting lineups

Vietnam: Van Binh, Ly Duc, Nguyen Hoang, Duc Anh (Tuan Phong 66'), Long Vu (Phi Hoang 46'), Quoc Cuong (Quang Dung 71'), Xuan Bac (Quang Vinh 34'), Minh Phuc, Ngoc My, Thanh Nhan, Le Phat (Quoc Viet 46').

Uzbekistan: Rustamov, Rizakulov, Murtazoev, Khushvaktov, Abdullaev, Khamidov, Urinboev, Karimov, Tulkunbekov, Saidov, Shodiboev.

Thien Binh