Predicted Vietnam U23 lineup against Jordan: Coach Kim Sang-sik and the challenge of neutralizing the beast Al-Fakhouri.
Facing significant personnel losses, the Vietnam U23 team is relying on a disciplined defense and the tactical prowess of coach Kim Sang-sik to neutralize the attacking power of the Jordan U23 team.
The Vietnam U23 team is preparing to embark on its journey at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship with the ultimate challenge: Jordan U23. With a depleted squad due to injuries and unforeseen circumstances, the leadership of coach Kim Sang-sik is being relied upon more than ever to help the Golden Star Warriors create a surprise in their opening match.
The Vietnam U23 squad suffered a major blow when key striker Bui Vi Hao was ruled out at the last minute due to injury. In addition, the absence of Nguyen Thanh Nhan and the visa issues of reserve goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai significantly impacted squad depth. However, with a strategist who favors flexibility like Kim Sang-sik, this is the time for backup options and tactical systems to shine.
Neutralize the Odeh Al-Fakhouri explosive device.
Jordan U23 entered the tournament as a formidable goal-scoring machine. The Middle Eastern team scored 19 goals in the qualifying round, with the main driving force being striker Odeh Al-Fakhouri, born in 2005. Described by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as "the biggest threat," Al-Fakhouri possesses superior physique and intelligent movement to break offside traps.
Al-Fakhouri's playing style is not only about finishing skills but also about his ability to drop deep, stretching the opposing defense to create space for Ibrahim Sabra to surge forward from the second line. Midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac noted that the opposing attack is very fast and skillful, requiring the Vietnamese defense to maintain maximum concentration in one-on-one challenges.
The Steel Wall and the Role of Nguyen Hieu Minh
To cope with the immense pressure from Jordan, coach Kim Sang-sik will most likely employ a 3-4-3 formation, flexibly switching to a 5-4-1 when defending. In this formation, the central defensive trio of Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh, and Nguyen Nhat Minh will play a vital role. Among them, Hieu Minh, with his ability to read situations and command the defense, will be the "heart" of the defensive wall.
Besides the central defenders, the roles of the two wing-backs, Pham Minh Phuc and Nguyen Phi Hoang, will determine the team's ability to seal off the midfield half-space. They need to maintain a high level of activity to ensure the defensive numbers always remain at five, preventing early crosses and breakthroughs from Jordan's flanks.
Nguyen Thai Son: Lung chambers in the midline region
In this year's finals, Nguyen Thai Son continues to be the number one hope in midfield. After an impressive performance at the SEA Games 33, the midfielder from Thanh Hoa is expected to control the tempo of the game and be a crucial link in the midfield between the two lines.
Alongside Xuan Bac, Thai Son will have to face the opponent's physically strong midfield. The task for this duo is to recover the ball as quickly as possible and make sharp transitional passes to the attack, making the most of the moments when the Jordan defense pushes forward to counter-attack.
Viktor Lê and the virtual number 9 variable
Without Bui Vi Hao, the U23 Vietnam attack will take on a new look with a combination of Khuat Van Khang, Viktor Le, and Nguyen Dinh Bac. Viktor Le is likely to take on the role of a "false nine." While not strong in physical challenges, the individual technique and tactical vision of the Ha Tinh FC star will be key to drawing the Jordanian center-backs out of position.
The space created by Viktor Lê will be the perfect setting for Đình Bắc's speed and Văn Khang's left-footed skill. This approach, without a fixed center forward, could catch the tall but slow-moving defense of the Jordan U23 team by surprise.
Predicted lineup for Vietnam U23 (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper:Tran Trung Kien
Defender:Nguyen Nhat Minh, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Pham Ly Duc, Pham Minh Phuc, Nguyen Phi Hoang
Midfielder:Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Xuan Bac
Forward:Khuat Van Khang, Viktor Le, Nguyen Dinh Bac
Despite being drawn into a tough group alongside Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan, history has shown that Vietnamese football always possesses explosive potential when pushed into difficult situations. A positive result against Jordan at King Abdullah Sports City Hall on the evening of January 6th would be a huge psychological boost for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team on their journey to conquer the continent.
