Shine at the right moment.

Top-level football always has room for stars, but history is sometimes decided by names that few people mention before the match starts.

Nguyen Quoc Viet, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, and Cao Van Binh not only contributed to a historic victory, but also showed that the Vietnam U23 team has entered a phase where every player is ready to become the main character.

The "killer" instinct in the penalty area.

Nguyen Quoc Viet was once a top-class, experienced goalscorer who consistently scored at various levels of the national youth teams. However, his form unexpectedly stalled, and the 22-year-old striker was no longer a regular in the starting lineup for the Vietnam U23 team at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. In the final match, amidst a shortage of players due to injuries and suspensions, Quoc Viet was entrusted by coach Kim Sang-sik with the crucial role of being the main striker for the Vietnam U23 team against South Korea U23.

Quoc Viet is a confident, passionate player who knows how to shine at the right moment. The Ninh Binh club player didn't need many dribbles; a subtle one-two pass with Dinh Bac, followed by a quiet infiltration into the opponent's penalty area, and a cool, precise shot that nestled into the top corner of the South Korean U23 goal. That goal not only put his team ahead but also relieved the psychological pressure on the entire squad.

Goalkeeper Cao Văn Bình was the "hero" who helped Vietnam U23 defeat South Korea U23. (Photo: THE AFC)

Throughout the tournament, Quoc Viet made four appearances, including two starts, and scored one goal. In a tournament where Quoc Viet wasn't always the first-choice player, his goal against U23 South Korea was a testament to his ability to be a game-changer when given the chance.

The Silent Stand-in

Similarly to Quoc Viet, 21-year-old Quoc Cuong, originally from Nghe An , is also a "high-class" backup option for coach Kim Sang-sik in the Vietnam U23 team, often coming on when the midfield needs a "shield" to intercept and recover the ball from afar.

In this year's U23 Asian Championship, Quoc Cuong played in 4 matches but only once was named in the starting lineup, in the victory against U23 South Korea. The player from Ho Chi Minh City Police Club partnered with Nguyen Thai Son from the start, forming a central midfield duo that helped the U23 Vietnam midfield withstand the opponent's continuous attacks.

Quoc Cuong doesn't play with flair, but his high-intensity pressing ability helps him neutralize the quick counter-attacks from the flanks of the South Korean U23 team. His neat ball control, ability to retain possession, and ability to escape pressing also reduce pressure on the Vietnamese U23 defense, helping the team maintain their tempo.

"Supporting actor" in the wooden frame

Tran Trung Kien's consistent performance meant Cao Van Binh was only a second-choice option in the Vietnam U23 team's lineup. However, this reserve goalkeeper shone in the bronze medal match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

Van Binh isn't particularly outstanding physically (1.83 m tall), but his excellent positioning and reflexes helped the 21-year-old "Spider-Man" from Nghe An province hold U23 South Korea to a draw in 120 minutes of play. Notably, from the 87th minute onwards, the South Korean team, despite having a man advantage, continuously increased the pressure but were unable to overcome Van Binh.

Facing the opponent's fast-paced and technically skilled attack, Van Binh showed maturity beyond his years. Beyond his saves, what was noteworthy about Cao Van Binh was his composure, demonstrated by his successful save of South Korea's seventh penalty kick, helping U23 Vietnam win 7-6 and secure third place overall.

The victory against South Korea U23 helped Vietnam U23 conclude the 2026 AFC U23 Championship with a bronze medal, but the greater value lies in the depth of the squad and the confidence that coach Kim Sang-sik placed in the reserve players.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/toa-sang-dung-luc-196260126213427066.htm