Hanoi, 26 January 2026 – Coach Kim Sang Sik believes that U23 Vietnam’s bronze medal at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 is more than a result — it is strong evidence that the team can genuinely compete with Asia’s best.
After returning from the tournament, the Korean coach praised his players’ mentality and development, stressing that their greatest strength was their refusal to give up. Despite facing physically superior opponents such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and South Korea, U23 Vietnam remained disciplined, resilient, and brave in every match.
“They defended well, blocked dangerous attacks, and took their chances when they came. The players truly fought for every ball,” Coach Kim said.
Unity was, in his view, the decisive factor. Even without many standout individuals, the team’s collective organization, mutual support, and defensive structure created stability and strength. Tactical work, especially in set-piece situations, was also carefully prepared, helping the team reduce risks against taller opponents.
Coach Kim believes that success at SEA Games 33 and the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 has given this generation strong belief in their own ability. They have shown they can perform not only in Southeast Asia but also on the Asian stage, opening the door for many players to progress to the senior national team. Names such as Nguyen Dinh Bac, Van Khang, Thai Son, Phi Hoang, Ly Duc, Hieu Minh and Nhat Minh are seen as promising talents for the future.
He also recalled emotional moments, especially the match against U23 South Korea when U23 Vietnam had to defend with 10 men in extra time. “I simply told the players to stay calm and defend the way we trained. Their courage helped us survive and reach penalties,” he said.
Coach Kim reserved special praise for Nguyen Dinh Bac, who showed remarkable growth and delivered decisive moments, including a spectacular goal against U23 Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, Coach Kim and the Vietnam Football Federation are working on a long-term development plan aimed at building a sustainable national team, targeting Asian tournaments and ultimately the World Cup. He hopes more players will have opportunities to compete in higher-level environments, including overseas leagues.
Finally, he expressed gratitude to Vietnamese fans, whose passionate support provided powerful motivation throughout the tournament, and sent his best wishes ahead of Tet.
Ha Anh
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