Saudi Arabia, 12 January 2026 – During a morale-boosting session for U23 Vietnam ahead of their decisive clash with U23 Saudi Arabia, Tran Quoc Tuan, President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), reminded the players of U20 Vietnam’s painful exit at the group stage of the 2023 AFC U20 Asian Cup as a cautionary lesson for Khuat Van Khang and his teammates.
At that tournament, the U20 Vietnam side—featuring Van Khang—had collected six points from two wins, but a 1–3 defeat to U20 Iran in the final group match led to their elimination due to goal difference.
The current situation bears similarities to that scenario from three years ago. U23 Vietnam have also won their first two matches and hold their destiny in their own hands for a quarter-final berth. As a result, VFF’s decision to revisit the past was timely, given that tournament regulations based on goal difference when teams are level on points can create unpredictable outcomes.
Throughout preparations for the final group match, head coach Kim Sang-sik has repeatedly reminded his players—at both the start and end of training sessions—not to become complacent and to “keep their feet on the ground.” At a youth tournament like the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, surprises can happen at any time. U23 Saudi Arabia’s recent defeat to U23 Jordan has served as a clear warning sign.
One of the main concerns for U23 Vietnam lies in their defensive system. Centre-back Pham Ly Duc has shown signs of discomfort, at times limping during training. This stems from the heavy workload placed on the three-man central defence—Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh and Nguyen Nhat Minh—who have started almost continuously from regional competitions through to the continental stage. Notably, in the match against U23 Kyrgyzstan, Hieu Minh’s misplaced pass directly led to the equalising goal.
Coach Kim Sang-sik has quickly recognised these risks and is now considering adjustments in personnel and tactics to ensure defensive solidity in what is viewed as the most important match of the group stage.
Despite the challenges, U23 Vietnam still carry legitimate hopes of securing points, and even targeting a win. An average of two goals per match is an encouraging sign, especially given that several forwards are dealing with injuries. Replacement options such as Nguyen Le Phat—or even centre-back Hieu Minh—have shown an ability to step up when the team faces difficulties. Fans continue to place their trust in set-piece situations and Kim Sang-sik’s accurate in-game substitutions.
Against a U23 Saudi Arabia side that must win, it would not be surprising if U23 Vietnam adopt a defensive counter-attacking approach. Playing with the mentality of an underdog has often been a strength for Kim’s team. Even a narrow one-goal defeat would still be enough for Vietnam to progress, meaning there is no need to rush. Patience and discipline will be key, as Saudi Arabia’s defence has shown vulnerability—conceding three goals against U23 Jordan.
On the opposite side, Saudi Arabia’s loss to Jordan has pushed the hosts into a do-or-die situation. They must beat Vietnam and then wait for the result of the simultaneous match between U23 Jordan and U23 Kyrgyzstan to determine their fate. As defender Nguyen Phi Hoang analysed: “U23 Saudi Arabia are a strong team with home advantage. From our analysis, we see that their attack is skillful, fast and technical. Coach Kim Sang-sik has told us to pay special attention to their wide attacking threats.”
With the group standings still open to multiple scenarios, a single lapse in concentration could prove costly. However, with psychological advantages, control over their own destiny and thorough preparation under Kim Sang-sik, Van Khang and his teammates are well positioned to finish the group stage on a positive note.
Thai Hung
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