Saudi Arabia 24 January 2026 – U23 Vietnam secured a dramatic victory over U23 South Korea after a tense battle decided on penalties, with goalkeeper Cao Van Binh emerging as the undisputed hero thanks to a series of crucial saves.
For the third-place match of the AFC U23 Championship 2026 on January 23, coach Kim Sang Sik caused a surprise by rotating almost the entire lineup, handing rare opportunities to many players who had barely featured in the tournament. Only Thai Son and Nhat Minh retained their starting roles.
Dinh Bac was trusted from the first minute instead of his usual substitute role, while leaders Trung Kien and Khuat Van Khang started on the bench. With Hieu Minh injured and Ly Duc suspended, U23 Vietnam fielded a refreshed defensive line including Le Van Ha, Duc Anh, and Nhat Minh.
U23 South Korea dominated possession and attacked aggressively, but U23 Vietnam’s compact and disciplined defensive structure limited the East Asian side to very few clear chances.
The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute after a swift counterattack. Dinh Bac showed composure on the wing before setting up Nguyen Quoc Viet, who finished neatly with his left foot to give Vietnam the lead.
Shortly after, the referee initially awarded a penalty to South Korea, but VAR intervention reversed the call, much to Vietnam’s relief.
After the break, South Korea increased the pressure, while Kim Sang Sik responded by bringing on Van Khang and Minh Phuc to add attacking energy out wide.
A rare defensive lapse in the 69th minute allowed Kim Tae-won to equalize, but U23 Vietnam quickly responded. Just two minutes later, Dinh Bac struck again, curling a dangerous free kick to put Vietnam back in front.
Late drama followed. In the 86th minute, Dinh Bac was sent off after a reckless challenge, forcing U23 Vietnam to defend with ten men. Under intense pressure, they fought bravely, but deep into stoppage time, Shin Min-ha scored from close range to make it 2–2.
Extra time became a defensive battle for U23 Vietnam, who spent most of the period protecting their goal. Cao Van Binh delivered an exceptional performance, keeping South Korea out and taking the match to penalties.
The shootout went to sudden death after both teams converted their first five attempts. On the seventh kick, Cao Van Binh produced a decisive save, before Thanh Nhan calmly finished to complete a remarkable victory.
A hard-fought win, a display of courage and resilience, and a bronze medal fully deserved for U23 Vietnam.
Anh Minh
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