Vietnam U23s’ improbable surge reshapes expectations at Asian youth tourney

As the winners of Group A, Vietnam will face the United Arab Emirates in the quarterfinals on Friday.

The UAE finished second in Group B behind Japan after drawing 1-1 with Syria in their final group-stage match early on Wednesday (Vietnam time).

Before the finals began, few observers, including head coach Kim Sang Sik, expected Vietnam to finish top of their group. 

Drawn alongside Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, and hosts Saudi Arabia, Vietnam were widely seen as outsiders likely to rely on a defensive approach.

Instead, Vietnam won all three matches to claim first place, capped by a victory over the junior Saudis that eliminated the hosts in the group stage.

Vietnam did not sit deep. 

Across the three matches, Kim's team pressed higher, circulated the ball quickly, and attacked selectively against opponents with greater size and physical strength. 

The side scored from a range of situations, including set pieces and open play, reflecting preparation rather than reliance on isolated moments.

Only a handful of players, including Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Thai Son, Khuat Van Khang, and Nguyen Quoc Viet, had previous experience at major continental tournaments. 

Several others were making their first appearances at this level but showed they could compete with more established Asian teams.

Vietnam completed the group stage without conceding penalties or suffering dismissals following VAR reviews, a contrast to previous continental youth campaigns. 

The discipline was viewed as a sign of greater maturity within the squad.

Vietnam had already secured a strong chance of qualification before facing Saudi Arabia in the final group match. 

Even so, the team targeted victory to secure first place and avoid Japan in the knockout bracket, underlining an intention to progress beyond the group stage.

Kim rotated his squad throughout the group phase to manage fatigue and injuries. 

With Bui Vi Hao and Nguyen Thanh Nhan sidelined due to injuries, he handed starts to Nguyen Le Phat, who created chances in the opening two matches. 

Against Saudi Arabia, Kim adjusted his wide options to counter the hosts' pace, helping Vietnam withstand sustained pressure.

The coach also varied his attacking line-up across the three matches. 

Vietnam used a more direct approach early against Jordan, then adopted a containment-first strategy against Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia before introducing attacking substitutes in the second half to decide the matches.

Former Vietnam international Nguyen Thanh Vinh said the team had made a strong impression at the tournament and credited Kim's leadership for the rapid improvement. 

Kim said his players were highly motivated and wanted future opponents to view Vietnam as a team "not afraid of anyone."

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, held in Saudi Arabia from January 6 to 24, features four groups of four teams, with the top two in each group advancing to the quarterfinals.