Chinese media: 'Vietnam U23's incredible victory, Coach Kim Sang-sik was the big difference'

Chinese media have showered praise on the Vietnam U23 team and coach Kim Sang-sik after their thrilling victory over South Korea U23 in the third-place match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, which concluded in the early hours of January 24th.

According to 163 Sports , the fact that Vietnam U23, despite being down to 10 men, still defeated South Korea U23 in a penalty shootout with a score of 7-6 (after a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes) was "an unbelievable but completely deserved outcome." The Chinese news outlet emphasized: "South Korea U23 unleashed 32 shots and controlled the game for most of the time, but were still powerless against the disciplined defense and indomitable spirit of Vietnam U23."

Chinese media were particularly impressed with how the Vietnamese U23 team started the match. Even in the first half, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team didn't just sit back and defend, but proactively launched sharp counter-attacks. Nguyen Quoc Viet's opening goal, after a clever assist from Nguyen Dinh Bac, was described as "the culmination of modern tactical thinking and rare confidence."

Even when the tide turned in the second half and the Vietnam U23 team found themselves at a disadvantage after Nguyen Dinh Bac's direct red card, Chinese media still showed respect for how the Vietnamese U23 players maintained their composure. Sina Sports commented: "Under pressure, the Vietnam U23 team did not panic. They retreated in an organized manner, accepting the situation and waiting for opportunities."

Quoc Viet (right) opens the scoring for Vietnam U.23 after a perfect counter-attack.

PHOTO: TED TRAN

The penalty shootout became the focus of analysis in Chinese media. 163 Sports did not hesitate to compare the meticulous preparation of the Vietnam U23 team with the awkwardness of the South Korea U23 team. Goalkeeper Cao Van Binh was praised as a key figure, while coach Kim Sang-sik's arrangement of the penalty shootout order and his ability to maintain the young players' composure were highly commended.

Sohu even suggested that this victory was not simply luck, but reflected a significant step forward for Vietnamese youth football: "After the match, Vietnam U23 broke a series of curses – defeating South Korea for the first time at the U23 Asian Championship, winning third place for the first time since 2018, and continuing to maintain a scoring record in every encounter with South Korea U23."

Coach Kim Sang-sik receives praise.

Notably, many Chinese newspapers have directly mentioned coach Kim Sang-sik as a pivotal figure. Sina Sports commented: “Coach Kim Sang-sik understands Korean football very well, but he doesn't copy or avoid it. On the contrary, he built a playing style for the Vietnamese U23 team that suits his players, emphasizing discipline, cohesion, and a fighting spirit to the very end.”

Coach Kim Sang-sik receives praise from Chinese media.

PHOTO: AFC

“Vietnam U23's victory over South Korea U23 is not just a match. It marks a milestone showing that the balance of power in Asian youth football is gradually shifting. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam U23 is no longer a team relying solely on spirit, but has become a collective with a distinct identity, clear tactics, and remarkable fighting spirit. This is no longer an isolated surprise but the result of a long process of accumulation. Vietnam U23 is heading in the right direction, and Asia must look at them with different eyes,” 163 Sports commented.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-chi-trung-quoc-u23-viet-nam-thang-kho-tin-hlv-kim-sang-sik-la-khac-biet-lon-185260124030628914.htm