Southeast Asian press: U23 Vietnam cannot be criticized, but it's a pity for Hieu Minh.

Media outlets in Southeast Asia expressed sympathy for the Vietnamese U23 team and regret over the injury of central defender Hieu Minh.

Defender Hieu Minh before suffering a serious injury - Photo: AFC

In the early hours of January 21st, Vietnam suffered a 0-3 defeat against China in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. This defeat wasn't the only disappointment, as central defender Hieu Minh sustained a serious injury and had to leave the field in the first half.

Media outlets in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia expressed sympathy for the Vietnamese U23 team's defeat, while also showing concern for Hieu Minh's injury.

Thai online news outlet Ball Thai commented on the match, stating, "The injury to center-back Hieu Minh could be a game-changing factor. Vietnam U23 then conceded a goal from a corner kick, which is usually one of their strengths."

This assessment has been widely endorsed by fans and football experts in the region. The Asean Football website headlined: "A heartbreaking moment as Vietnam U23's key central defender leaves the field, the team collapses from then on."

The Instagram account of Sepak Bola newspaper (Indonesia) also expressed concern about Hieu Minh's injury, stating: "This is a very serious injury. The Vietnam U23 team has declined since this personnel loss."

Meanwhile, Indonesian newspaper Bola commented: "The Vietnam U23 team played below expectations in this match. But they cannot be criticized. Kim Sang Sik's team can still leave the tournament with their heads held high, especially with the third-place match still ahead."

Indonesian media compared Vietnam's defeat in the semi-finals of this year's tournament to their own journey in the 2024 AFC U23 Championship. In that tournament, Indonesia also stopped at the semi-finals.

Overall, the Southeast Asian press continues to praise Kim Sang Sik and his team at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. Reaching the semi-finals is considered a remarkable achievement for a team from a region considered a "lower tier" in world football.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bao-chi-dong-nam-a-khong-the-che-u23-viet-nam-tiec-cho-hieu-minh-2026012103492197.htm