Vietnam U23 - "fire tests gold, hardship tests strength"

The Vietnam U23 team finished third in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, affirming the maturity and talent of coach Kim Sang-sik's players.

Although they couldn't replicate their runner-up finish from eight years ago, the Vietnam U23 team under coach Kim Sang-sik had a proud journey at the Asian youth tournament. The young Vietnamese team showed progress in skills, playing style, and fighting spirit, bringing many different emotions to the fans.

Diverse "attack moves"

The 10 goals scored by the Vietnam U23 team in the AFC U23 Asian Championship clearly demonstrate their well-structured attacking style, honed over a long period. Numerous set-piece combinations, short passes, and exquisite finishing inside the opponent's penalty area, as well as long passes into the space behind the defenders, all aspects of modern attacking football were executed smoothly by Coach Kim Sang-sik's team, providing a visually stunning spectacle.

The two goals scored against South Korea U23 are proof of the effective attacking coordination and independent play of the Vietnamese U23 players. The match results also demonstrate that each player under coach Kim's command confidently fulfills their nhiệm vụ whenever they take to the field.

Experts praise coach Kim Sang-sik for his strategic vision and exceptional finesse in team selection and developing playing styles suitable for each opponent. Under his guidance, young Vietnamese players have shown significant professional progress, no longer lagging behind their counterparts in Asian football powerhouses.

The tactical breakthroughs, the flexibility in adjusting the lineup, and the ability to switch between game states helped the Vietnam U23 team achieve resounding victories. Experts believe that patience, a progressive spirit, and the ability to effectively communicate tactics are the key factors contributing to Coach Kim Sang-sik's success.

Vietnam U23 team secured a beautiful ending to the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship. Photo: VFF

Expectations for the new generation of players.

Similar to the SEA Games 33, the 2026 AFC U23 Championship continues to be a stage for Nguyen Dinh Bac. On the evening of January 23rd, the striker from Nghe An scored one goal and provided one assist, helping Vietnam U23 convincingly defeat South Korea U23. In six matches, Dinh Bac has scored four goals and provided two assists, making him one of the top three scorers in the final tournament.

Dinh Bac is the "spark" in Vietnam U23's attacking plays thanks to his strong aerial ability, skillful dribbling, and accurate finishing. Not only does he excel in individual technique, but the 22-year-old star also combines very well with his teammates.

Making opponents wary in both speed races and ball challenges, Dinh Bac also demonstrated composure and leadership qualities, helping the team maintain a stable game, alongside his brilliant performances that brought goals to his team.

What sets Dinh Bac apart is his progressive spirit, always reinventing himself with each match. His ability to quickly adapt to tactical approaches and his modern football mindset also make him a key player for the team. Dinh Bac's maturity is one of the positive signs of Vietnam's young players, promising many more talents to develop in the near future.

"The journey of the Vietnam U23 team at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship marks an important step forward for youth football. The young players have demonstrated willpower, fighting spirit, and the ability to adapt to the tough challenges of a major tournament. Now, Vietnam's youth teams not only participate in the tournament to compete, but also to hone their skills and test tactics in order to build a strong and sustainable football foundation," analyzed Coach Pham Minh Duc.

Having achieved impressive results on the international stage, the young Vietnamese players are expected to become pillars of the national team. The combination of strategy, skill, and unwavering fighting spirit helped the U23 Vietnam team conclude their journey on a high note, reaping many valuable lessons.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/u23-viet-nam-lua-thu-vang-gian-nan-thu-suc-196260124203718618.htm