Vietnam back technique, patience against UAE in U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals

Vietnam qualified as winners of Group A after beating Jordan 2-0, Kyrgyzstan 2-1, and Saudi Arabia 1-0, while UAE advanced as runners-up from Group B.

The UAE enter the Friday match as one of the tournament's more athletic teams, built around pace and strength in a 4-4-2 system that relies on quick counterattacks. 

Four players of African origin form the core of that approach, giving the side power in transition but also exposing defensive vulnerabilities under sustained pressure.

Vietnam, coached by Kim Sang Sik, have shown they are comfortable facing West Asian teams that prioritize physicality. 

In the group stage, Vietnam relied on short passing, collective movement, and calm build-up to limit direct physical contests, a strategy that helped them maintain intensity late in matches.

That approach proved effective in a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia, where Vietnam resisted pressing traps and forced their opponents to chase possession. 

Similar tactics could be deployed against the UAE, whose defense struggled when faced with fast, technically adept teams.

The UAE conceded four goals in the group stage and were outplayed by Japan's movement and ball control. 

While Vietnam do not mirror Japan's quality, they possess several smaller, agile attackers capable of exploiting gaps between taller central defenders.

Vietnam are expected to target those weaknesses through dribbling, quick combinations, and set pieces, as the UAE have shown inconsistency in marking and positioning, particularly under pressure. 

Midfielders may also be encouraged to contest second balls aggressively and attempt long-range shots if space opens outside the penalty area.

Defensively, Vietnam will aim to remain compact and avoid isolated one-on-one situations, where the UAE's pace could prove decisive.

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup is being held in Saudi Arabia from January 6 to 24, with the top two teams from each of the four groups of four advancing to the knockout stage.

The Vietnam–UAE game kicks off at 10:30 pm (Vietnam time) on Friday and is broadcast on domestic television platforms including TV360, FPT Play, VTV5, and HTV Sports.