Saudi Arabia, 13 January 2026 – After finishing the group stage with three straight wins at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, U23 Vietnam have sent a powerful message to Asia, with head coach Kim Sang-sik declaring his players ready to continue the legacy of the historic 2018 Changzhou run.
Closing the group stage with a flawless record, U23 Vietnam have produced one of the most impressive campaigns of the tournament so far. Their three consecutive victories not only secured top spot in the group but also underlined the growing maturity, discipline and belief within the squad under Kim Sang-sik.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kim Sang-sik expressed immense pride in his players’ fighting spirit after the hard-fought win over the host nation. “It was a very difficult match against the hosts, but the players gave everything to achieve a victory that carries special meaning,” the Korean coach said. “I want to congratulate and thank the players, and also thank all the fans who have always supported and stood by the team.”
Looking ahead to the knockout stage, Kim emphasized that his squad are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges to come. “The players have sacrificed themselves for the collective and fought relentlessly for 90 minutes in every match. They were truly outstanding,” he said. “We will know our quarter-final opponent after the remaining matches are completed. Whoever we face, if we maintain our unity and continue to play as a cohesive team, I believe U23 Vietnam will keep delivering strong performances.”
From a tactical perspective, Kim Sang-sik acknowledged that fatigue and physical issues affected both teams in the final group match. “Compared to the first two games, both U23 Vietnam and U23 Saudi Arabia were more tired, with several players dealing with physical problems, so the match was not very open,” he explained. “However, the coaching staff prepared different plans for the first and second halves, and the players executed those plans exactly as intended.”
With nine points from three matches, U23 Vietnam now move into the quarter-finals full of confidence, drawing comparisons to the unforgettable journey of their predecessors at the 2018 tournament in Changzhou. Backed by belief, unity and tactical clarity, Kim Sang-sik and his players are determined not just to relive history, but to write a new chapter for Vietnamese football on the continental stage.
Hong Minh
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