Memories of Changzhou 2018: The immortal epic of the Vietnam U23 team amidst the snowstorm.
The 2018 AFC U23 Asian Championship final not only left behind disappointment with the runner-up position, but also served as a springboard for the most successful era in Vietnamese football history under coach Park Hang-seo.
In January 2018, Vietnamese football wrote one of the most poignant chapters in its history at the AFC U23 Championship. The miraculous journey in Changzhou was not just a sporting event, but became a symbol of the indomitable spirit and aspirations of a generation of young players.
The most grueling final in Asian football history.
On January 27, 2018, the final match between Vietnam U23 and Uzbekistan U23 took place under unprecedentedly harsh weather conditions. Heavy snow blanketed the Changzhou Stadium (China), and temperatures dropped below freezing, posing an extreme challenge for the players from tropical regions.
As early as the 8th minute, Uzbekistan U23 took the lead thanks to a header from Ashurmatov following a corner kick. Despite being behind early and having to fight in conditions with limited visibility, Coach Park Hang-seo's players maintained a disciplined and resilient style of play, fending off attacks from their physically superior opponents.
Nguyen Quang Hai's "Rainbow in the Snow" moment.
The emotional turning point came in the 41st minute when Vietnam U23 were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. In a symbolic moment, Luong Xuan Truong and his teammates used their hands to clear away thick layers of snow to create a favorable position for Nguyen Quang Hai to place the ball.
Quang Hai's spectacular left-footed free kick curved beautifully into the top corner of the Uzbekistan goal, leveling the score at 1-1 for Vietnam. This masterpiece not only relieved the pressure but also became the most beautiful image of the tournament, hailed by fans as "A rainbow in the snow."
The cruel twist of fate in the 119th minute and the unwavering spirit to never give up.
Entering the second half and two extra time periods, the match became a battle of physical exhaustion. The Vietnam U23 team defended resolutely, preserving the score against the tremendous pressure from the Central Asian team. However, a cruel twist of fate occurred in the 119th minute when substitute Andrey Sidorov scored the decisive goal from a corner kick, securing a 2-1 victory for Uzbekistan.
Despite failing at the gates of heaven, the image of central defender Do Duy Manh planting the national flag on a pile of snow after the match was deeply moving. Coach Park Hang-seo also sent an immortal message to his players: "We tried our best, why should we hang our heads?"
The enduring legacy of the golden generation.
Finishing as runners-up in Changzhou in 2018 ushered in the most glorious era for Vietnamese football. From this springboard, the generation of players like Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, and Xuan Truong went on to win the 2018 AFF Cup, reach the quarterfinals of the 2019 Asian Cup, and for the first time participate in the final qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup.
More than just a title, the miracle in Changzhou ignited a powerful sense of national pride and dispelled the inferiority complex of Vietnamese football when stepping onto the continental stage. Even as time passes, the image of those fiery red sparks fighting amidst the white snowstorm will forever remain a brilliant part of the memories of millions of fans.
