Vietnam U23 will play a memorable third-place match against South Korea U23.

The way the Vietnam U23 team handles defeat is the true measure of their class.

Vietnam U23 doesn't need to... apologize.

The apologies and heartfelt letters from the Vietnamese U23 players are what resonated most and spread widely after their 0-3 defeat against China U23 in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

However, to be fair, the Vietnam U23 team doesn't need to apologize. Winning and losing in football is a normal part of the game.

Even the world's strongest teams like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich have suffered inexplicable defeats, so the fact that the inexperienced U23 Vietnamese team stumbled in a single match is just a drop in the ocean.

Vietnam U23 must learn to bounce back after defeat.

PHOTO: TED TRAN TV

Except for Japan or South Korea, perhaps no team has to apologize for missing out on a place in the U23 Asian Championship final. The Vietnam U23 team has had a beautiful journey. 15 wins in official tournaments (9 clean sheets), defeating teams from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia, eliminating 3 host nations, winning 2 tournaments and reaching the semi-finals of the remaining one – this impressive record is enough to prove that Coach Kim Sang-sik's U23 team is a true force to be reckoned with.

Before the semi-final match against China U23, Vietnam U23 was considered the stronger team. That was the mindset that Dinh Bac and his teammates fought for with sweat and tears.

However, in football, achieving success (whether short-term or long-term) is only the first step. Why do some young players perform exceptionally well but falter in adulthood? Or why do some players, once buried in the mire of failure, rise from the ashes and shine brightly?

The key is how you react to failure. Whether you get up and move on, or wallow in sadness and spiral downwards, that choice shapes each player's worldview and future.

Fortunately, the Vietnam U23 team did not return home immediately after their loss to China U23. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team will play the bronze medal match against South Korea U23 (10 PM on January 23).

This match is an opportunity for fans to see how the Vietnam U23 team handles defeat, and to see how well Coach Kim's players have learned from the lessons of the China U23 team.

You have to play your best.

"Even if we lose, it has to be the most beautiful defeat," that's the famous motto of coach Jurgen Klopp, ahead of the second leg of the semi-final between Liverpool and Barcelona (Champions League semi-final 2018-2019).

Coach Kim Sang-sik has built a formidable team.

PHOTO: TED TRAN TV

Liverpool suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat at Camp Nou in the first leg. No team has ever come back from a three-goal deficit in a Champions League semi-final. Klopp understands this. He allows his players to lose, but they must lose in the most entertaining way possible. That is, even if they lose, it must be... dignified.

Liverpool made history by coming from behind to win 4-0 and reach the final. Sadio Mane and his teammates surged forward like a "red tide," sweeping away their opponents despite facing an seemingly impossible task.

Considering all aspects, it's difficult for the Vietnam U23 team to win the third-place match. In the Asian Championship finals, the Vietnam U23 team has faced the South Korea U23 team twice, with one draw (1-1 in 2022) and one loss (1-2 in 2018). The South Korea U23 team is currently in decline, having been eliminated in the semi-finals of this tournament and the quarter-finals of the previous one, but it's worth remembering that their decline is comparable to our rise in performance.

South Korean youth football remains top-class, with well-rounded players in terms of physique and technical skills, honed in the K-League.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam U23 team will play the bronze medal match with a depleted squad. Hieu Minh is seriously injured, Ly Duc is suspended, meaning the defensive "trident" only has Nhat Minh left. Both reserve center-backs Duc Anh and Van Ha are unlikely to replace their senior teammates. Proof of this is that Duc Anh was substituted after 30 minutes in the semi-final, while Van Ha wasn't even registered to play in the SEA Games.

Vietnam U23 will give their all against South Korea U23.

PHOTO: TED TRAN TV

In the attacking line, Dinh Bac is still playing with aching legs, Le Phat is showing signs of psychological issues, while Thai Son, Xuan Bac, Van Khang... seem to be running out of steam after playing continuously for the past two months.

Vietnam U23 risks losing to South Korea U23, but even if they lose, coach Kim Sang-sik's players still have the right to choose how they lose.

Play with composure and wisdom, know your strengths and weaknesses, be prepared to drop back and defend, but be ready to control the ball and play in your own style, as you've shown in the previous 15 matches.

A fair and impressive match against an Asian powerhouse would be a fitting farewell from Kim Sang-sik and his team.

The Vietnam U23 team deserves a beautiful ending, paving the way for a more promising new chapter.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-viet-nam-se-da-tran-tranh-hang-ba-de-doi-truoc-u23-han-quoc-185260122123619854.htm