Vietnam U23 vs UAE U23: Pressing to test their mettle.

In the quarter-finals, the Vietnam U23 team will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) U23 team at 10:30 PM on January 16th.

Utilize pressing skills

The Vietnam U23 team showcased a diverse range of tactical approaches against three strong teams in Group A. Furthermore, the "Golden Star Warriors" were highly praised by experts for their fighting spirit and unwavering determination after their convincing victory against host nation Saudi Arabia.

Tournament statistics show that the Vietnam U23 team has a smaller physique than 14 other teams, only slightly better than Thailand U23. When facing continental-level opponents, Coach Kim's team effectively utilizes pressing tactics to force opponents to play outside their preferred style. This playing style is particularly effective thanks to a central midfield with excellent stamina, including the key duo of Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Xuan Bac.

These two players know how to provide excellent cover for each other, fulfilling both defensive support duties from afar and participating in attacks. Notably, this midfield pair, despite their modest stature (1.71 m and 1.72 m in height), consistently dominate opponents when contesting the ball in the midfield.

Thai Son is the first line of defense for the Vietnam U23 team, and the top choice in the starting lineup for the last three matches. Since the start of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship, the 22-year-old, nicknamed "the sweeper," has played a total of 252 minutes, achieving a 62.5% win rate in tackles and neutralizing 5 opponent attacks.

Always present in key areas on the field, Thai Son is considered a bridge between the lines, acting as a "transfer station," initiating attacks with a pass accuracy rate of 73.1% in the opponent's half, and making 118 passes with an accuracy rate of up to 86.1%.

Meanwhile, Xuan Bac tends to operate on both flanks, frequently providing cover for his teammates when they push forward to attack down the wings. The player born in 2003 has also played 242 minutes and has been named in the starting lineup for the Vietnam U23 team 3 times since the beginning of this year's AFC U23 Asian Championship. With a pass accuracy rate of 75.6%, Xuan Bac also has a high pass accuracy rate in the Vietnam U23 team.

The dynamism of these two central midfielders not only relieves defensive pressure on their teammates but also increases the diversity in Vietnam U23's attacking plays. This is also the "key" that helps Coach Kim Sang-sik's team switch between playing styles flexibly, adapting to each opponent and the developments on the field.

Commenting on the Vietnam U23 team, coach Pham Minh Duc assessed that the team under coach Kim Sang-sik is a strong team in terms of technical skill and always united, with many outstanding individuals who make a difference. With a proactive ball-controlling playing philosophy, Coach Kim always prioritizes safety in the midfield, instructing players not to lose possession in the central area by pressing in that area and escaping pressing, making it difficult for opponents to launch attacks.

U23 Việt Nam - U23 UAE: Pressing thử lửa - Ảnh 1. — Vietnam U23 will continue to utilize their pressing tactics to counter the West Asian team. (Photo: VFF)

UAE is not very strong.

The UAE participated in the AFC U23 Asian Championship with a core group of talented players trained in European environments, aiming to compete for the championship title. The West Asian team was drawn in the same group as defending champions Japan, Syria, and Qatar. However, Marcelo Broli's team failed to demonstrate their status as a contender, delivering a lackluster performance in the group stage.

The UAE U23 team advanced to the quarterfinals as runners-up in Group B, with a record of one win, one loss, and one draw after three matches. The team also revealed several defensive weaknesses, conceding four goals while scoring only three. Notably, the 1-1 draw against Syria U23 in the final match of Group B showed that coach Marcelo Broli's team lacked effectiveness in both ball control and finishing.

However, the UAE U23 attack features striker Junior Ndiaye, who previously played for the French U17 team. Born in 2005, this player is on the books of Montpellier in Ligue 1 and possesses speed, agility, and versatile attacking abilities.

In their six previous encounters at the U23 level, UAE completely dominated Vietnam with a record of 5 wins and 1 draw. However, in the U23 Asian Championship, UAE's record is far inferior to Vietnam's.

Specifically, this West Asian team has never reached the semi-finals of the tournament, while the Vietnam U23 team has finished as runners-up once, in 2018.

Under coach Kim, the Vietnam U23 team knows how to strategize effectively in each match, employing diverse tactical approaches. According to experts, the UAE U23 team is strong in pressing but will easily be overwhelmed by the mobile midfield of the Vietnam U23 team.

Watch the entire 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship Finals on TV360 at https://tv360.vn . Enjoy a smooth multi-platform experience, rewind and replay, and free Viettel 4G/5G data.