Win to advance to the quarterfinals

VHO - After an impressive opening match with a 2-0 victory against U23 Jordan, U23 Vietnam entered the second match of Group A at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship with a clear advantage in both points and morale.

However, coach Kim Sang-sik's team faces a formidable opponent. U23 Kyrgyzstan, the team that forced hosts Saudi Arabia to wait until the 88th minute to secure all three points, promises to present a completely different test, where the story isn't just about winning, but also about how Vietnam handles a match that demands patience, precision, and composure.

Vietnam U23 gets off to a good start at the Asian U23 Championship.

  Make a difference with details.

The opening round of Group A matches concluded relatively favorably for the Vietnam U23 team. While the red-shirted team defeated Jordan U23 2-0, in the other match, Saudi Arabia U23 only narrowly beat Kyrgyzstan U23 1-0. With a better goal difference, Vietnam U23 temporarily took the lead in the group.

In this context, the power of self-determination lies in the hands of the Vietnam U23 team. In the second matchday, taking place today, January 9th, Vietnam U23 will face Kyrgyzstan U23 at 9 PM (Vietnam time), before Jordan U23 takes on Saudi Arabia U23 at 11:30 PM. A victory against Kyrgyzstan would give the team 6 points, creating a safe distance from the rest and opening up the possibility of securing an early ticket to the quarterfinals, regardless of the result of the other match. Conversely, a slip-up would complicate all calculations, forcing all hopes to rest on the match against the host nation, the biggest challenge in the group.

Looking back at the opening match, the biggest highlight of Vietnam U23's victory wasn't the 2-0 scoreline, but rather how the team controlled the game and managed their advantage. Both goals came from set pieces, reflecting thorough preparation and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. In youth tournaments, where teams often have a certain balance of physical fitness and desire, making a difference from details like set pieces can sometimes be decisive.

Most notably, the way the Vietnam U23 team handled the match after gaining the advantage was remarkable. Instead of impulsively pushing the tempo, Coach Kim Sang-sik's players proactively slowed down the pace, maintained their formation, and controlled the space. The second half against Jordan U23 wasn't an explosive one, but it showed maturity in their tactical thinking, demonstrating when to press and when to drop back to protect the lead.

Jordanian media, after the match, frankly acknowledged that their team's defeat stemmed from a lack of cohesion in defense, especially in aerial situations. These analyses, to some extent, indirectly suggest that the Vietnamese U23 team successfully exploited their opponent's weaknesses. More importantly, Vietnam not only "hit the mark," but also knew when to stop, preventing the match from spiraling into a risky scenario.

Vietnam U23's chances of winning and advancing to the next round.

Despite making their first appearance in the AFC U23 Asian Championship, Kyrgyzstan U23 are not an opponent to be underestimated. Their 0-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia U23 clearly illustrated the characteristics of this Central Asian team. They organize their defense tightly, play disciplined football, and are prepared to withstand pressure for extended periods. Notably, Kyrgyzstan only conceded a goal in the final minutes, despite playing with ten men from quite early on.

The Kyrgyzstan U23 team's playing style emphasizes physicality, tackling, and tactical discipline. They are willing to drop deep, disrupt the tempo of the game, and wait for opponents' mistakes to counter-attack with simple but direct passes. This type of opponent often causes higher-rated teams to become impatient – ​​a factor that easily leads to errors, especially for young teams.

However, Kyrgyzstan also faces a significant disadvantage going into the match against Vietnam due to a shortage of players suspended after receiving a red card in the first match. This absence could affect their ability to maintain their formation, especially in the midfield, which plays a crucial role in defending against central attacks and set pieces. This is precisely the point that the Vietnam U23 team can exploit, if they maintain composure and precision.

Considering the current strength and form of both teams, the Vietnam U23 team has many reasons to aim for a victory. Their high spirits after the opening match, their ability to capitalize on set pieces, and their proactive approach to controlling the game are clear advantages. Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan's shortage of players and their need to play with a "no loss" mentality could expose certain weaknesses in their defense.

However, this will not be a match of explosive play. Against an opponent willing to play defensively, the Vietnam U23 team needs to avoid falling into the trap of impatience. Pushing forward uncontrollably could lead the red-shirted team into a stalemate, where Kyrgyzstan would further exploit their strengths in counter-attacking defense.

Patience in organizing attacks, precision in decisive moments, and discipline in defense will be key. An early goal could give the game a favorable start, but even if they have to wait, the Vietnam U23 team needs to keep a cool head. In continental competitions, a 1-0 victory is sometimes much more valuable than a 3-2 win, as it reflects control and composure.

Against U23 Kyrgyzstan, U23 Vietnam wasn't just playing to get three points. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team was playing to prove they had reached a new level – one of composure, control, and mental fortitude – essential qualities for going far in Asian competitions.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/thang-de-buoc-vao-tu-ket-196058.html