Jordan's U23 team is very formidable.

Vietnam U23 has not had good luck against West Asian teams in 4 out of the last 5 appearances at the AFC U23 Asian Championship, but this time it could be different.

THE POWER OF THE ORDAN U.23 TEAM

Vietnam U23 will face Jordan U23 in their opening match of Group A at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, taking place at 6:30 PM on January 6th in Saudi Arabia. This is a tough challenge, as Jordanian football is currently in its prime, having finished as runners-up in the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2025 Arab Cup, and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The Jordanian team that finished second in the Arab Cup includes three players currently representing the U23 team, who will be included in the squad for tomorrow's match against Vietnam U23.

The Jordan U23 team also had a perfect warm-up, drawing with Uzbekistan U23 (0-0) and Japan U23 (1-1). In both matches, coach Omar Najhi's players played very tightly and scientifically , making it difficult for the strongest teams in Asia thanks to their muscular and direct style of play. Jordan U23 has a relatively simple playing style, prioritizing defense, then quickly moving the ball to technically skilled attackers to create differences.

This is a formidable team, with individuals possessing exceptional technical skills and a direct playing style characteristic of West Asian teams. This team is on a completely different level from Southeast Asian opponents like Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, or Indonesia, whom coach Kim Sang-sik and his players have previously defeated.

U.23 Jordan (right) is considered a formidable opponent for U.23 Vietnam.

Photo: Jordan Football Association

Jordan's U23 players such as Ali Hajabi, Odeh Al-Fakhouri, Ja'far Samara, Ahmad Ayman, and Mohammad Taha have represented their national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, making history alongside their seniors by remaining undefeated in 9 out of 10 matches and securing direct qualification to the world stage. Jordanian media assert that this current brilliant period will pave the way for the country's youth to continue making history. The Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad commented that coach Omar Najhi possesses a promising U23 squad, with young players honed in numerous major tournaments. "The friendly match against Japan confirms the ambition and ability of the Jordan U23 team to go far in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship," West Asian media stated.

Vietnam U23 ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship: Personnel changes, key squad values ​​stand out.

K SUPPRESSION

Jordan's U23 team finished third in the 2013 AFC U23 Championship, in their first appearance at the tournament. However, this young West Asian team has gradually declined in the last two finals, failing to advance beyond the group stage in both. Therefore, Vietnam's U23 team still has a chance to win at least one point if they prepare thoroughly.

In recent days, coach Kim Sang-sik has focused on training his players in set-piece defensive situations, from man-marking and covering to jumping and tackling. U23 Jordan is very strong in aerial duels, so goalkeeper Trung Kien and the defenders must employ effective tactics to neutralize them at both the near and far posts. U23 Vietnam is also honing their aerial skills, with more diverse "plays" involving more players, not just relying on Dinh Bac or the central defenders. The ability to press and transition from defense to attack, which is key to the team's tactics, has also been carefully instructed by Coach Kim during training in Qatar.

Despite losing 1-2 to U23 Syria, the Vietnamese U23 team was successful in giving most players a chance to prove themselves. At the same time, Coach Kim's players were tested against a West Asian opponent whose playing style is reminiscent of U23 Jordan. The South Korean strategist also had the opportunity to reassess the performance of each player. The Vietnamese U23 team will make personnel changes compared to the SEA Games, retaining only key players, and may swap some positions such as central midfielders and wingers… to avoid being predictable.

The Vietnam U23 team will complete their preparation process with their final training session today (January 5th). Despite the difficulties, coach Kim Sang-sik and his players are ready to write a new chapter in history.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-jordan-rat-dang-gom-185260104231309468.htm