Chinese media tries to justify the loss to U22 Vietnam

Chinese media sought to justify the shocking defeat of the national U22 football team against Vietnam, within the framework of the CFA Team China - Panda Cup 2025 International Friendly Tournament.

Some key players of U22 China had to sit out this match - Photo: SINA

On the evening of November 12, U22 Vietnam caused a big surprise in China when it defeated the host U22 team with a score of 1-0 in the opening match of the CFA Team China - Panda Cup 2025 International Friendly Tournament.

Despite expressing disappointment, Chinese media sought to "excuse" the home team's humiliating defeat.

"Because many players are still participating in the National Sports Festival and cannot arrive in Chengdu in time, the Chinese team was forced to field a short-handed squad for the match against Vietnam,

There were 8 players on the bench in addition to the 11 official players, making a total of only 19 players on the roster for this match," Finance Sina reported.

In the pre-match press conference, China U2 head coach Antonio Puche confirmed that star Wang Yudong was tired and the coaching staff decided to send him back to Hangzhou to rest.

"Young players need more care and attention, otherwise they will be exhausted and collapse. It is my responsibility, as a coach, to take care of them," said coach Puche.

China (red shirt) is missing many key players - Photo: SINA

In addition to Wang Yudong, Finance.Sina.cn reported that China was also missing a number of key players at the last minute due to injuries while competing in the National Games.

The 15th China Games, taking place from November 9 to 21, is considered one of the events where Chinese athletes most desire to shine, representing the national colors of major cities in the mainland.

Similar to Finance Sina newspaper , newspaper 163 also commented that "the Chinese squad welcoming Vietnam in this match is quite thin, missing many key players".

This defeat ended China's impressive unbeaten streak, which lasted since the beginning of this year with the number of matches reaching 9. In that streak, U22 China even beat U22 Korea and drew with U22 Australia.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/truyen-thong-trung-quoc-tim-cach-bao-bien-cho-tran-thua-u22-viet-nam-2025111221430067.htm