Waiting for Vietnam U23 to break the record

The quarter-final match between Vietnam U23 and UAE U23 at 10:30 PM tonight (January 16th) is a clash between the past and the present, between a history of unfavorable encounters and a generation of Vietnam U23 players entering a period of great success.

Disciplined tactical structure

For the first time in history, Vietnam's U23 team finished the group stage with a perfect record: three wins out of three matches and a full nine points. These numbers not only have statistical significance but also reflect the remarkable stability in the playing style of coach Kim Sang-sik's team.

Against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, and then Saudi Arabia, the "Golden Star Warriors" didn't win thanks to moments of luck. The Southeast Asian representatives advanced to the quarterfinals with a disciplined tactical structure, the ability to quickly switch between phases of play, and intense concentration throughout the 90 minutes.

In the final match of Group A, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team faced immense pressure from the home team's attacking stars. However, the Vietnam U23 team held firm thanks to their solid defensive organization and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien. This also served as a morale boost for the Vietnamese players before facing another formidable opponent from West Asia.

Waiting for Vietnam U23 to break the record - Photo 1.

The balance of power before the quarter-final match between Vietnam U23 and UAE U23. (Graphic: VE LOAN)

In the quarter-finals, Vietnam U23 faced UAE U23, a team known for its physical strength, speed, and experience. Despite only earning 4 points in Group B, coach Marcelo Broli's team proved to be extremely difficult to play against, with a style of play focused on physical strength, direct pressing, and strong one-on-one tackling.

The 1-1 draw against Syria U23 in the final match proved that UAE is willing to play pragmatically when necessary, proactively dropping deep to protect the result. However, that performance also revealed a number of limitations, especially in their ability to control the game and finish when forced to attack.

A close-knit team

In their most recent encounter in 2023, the Vietnam U23 team suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat against the UAE U23 team. This has made the UAE U23 team a psychological "nemesis" for Vietnamese youth teams.

The biggest difference for the current Vietnam U23 team lies in their maturity in their tactical thinking. Under coach Kim Sang-sik, the "Golden Star Warriors" operate as a cohesive team with clear strategies, no longer relying heavily on individual inspiration. Winning Group A not only affirmed the impressive form of the Vietnam U23 team but also helped them avoid defending champions Japan in the quarterfinals.

Of course, the UAE U23 team remains a major challenge for Vietnam U23. While Coach Kim Sang-sik's team exerted themselves in the group stage, the West Asian representatives have been more cautious. The risk of yellow cards is also a significant concern, with seven Vietnamese players having already received yellow cards in previous matches. Nevertheless, the return of striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan and the high spirits after the victory against the host team give the entire Vietnam U23 team confidence ahead of this crucial match.

Football always holds surprises. At this year's AFC U23 Asian Championship, Vietnam U23 defeated Jordan U23 and Saudi Arabia U23 for the first time.

If they maintain the composure, discipline, and form they've built since the group stage, coach Kim Sang-sik's team can absolutely continue to break records and take another big step forward on their continental journey.

Challenge the reigning champion

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup quarter-final match between Japan U23 and Jordan U23, scheduled for 6:30 PM on January 16th, is predicted to be a thrilling and high-quality game.

Japan U23 entered the knockout round as group B winners, possessing a modern, high-speed ball-control style of play and a well-balanced squad with many experienced international players. The reigning U23 Asian champions showcased their strength and determination to set a record of three titles in the tournament, winning all three group stage matches, scoring 10 goals and keeping a clean sheet.

Meanwhile, U23 Jordan is a physically strong team, particularly dangerous in long-range shots and aerial duels. The West Asian representatives show resilience with their aggressive attacking play, but may have to change tactics to a defensive counter-attacking style when facing the team that has won the U23 Asian Championship twice.

Japan U23 are considered slightly superior, but if they don't score early and "finish off" their opponent in regular time, the "Blue Samurai" could face a very difficult endurance match.

D. Vy

Watch the entire 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship Finals on TV360 at https://tv360.vn. Enjoy a smooth multi-platform experience, rewind and replay, and free Viettel 4G/5G data.