Que Ngoc Hai: Vietnam U23 has the courage to defeat China U23 and reach the final.

The semi-final match at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship between Vietnam U23 and China U23 is attracting significant public attention. Amidst high expectations from fans, veteran defender Que Ngoc Hai has offered insightful analysis, expressing confidence in a historic victory for the young players under coach Kim Sang-sik.

Supported by an impressive track record.

According to Que Ngoc Hai, the current strength of the Vietnam U23 team is not a temporary surge but the result of a sustained accumulation process. Over the past year, Vietnamese youth football has maintained high stability with memorable milestones such as winning the Southeast Asian U23 Championship and the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. In particular, qualifying for the 2026 Asian U23 Championship with a perfect record has created a huge sense of confidence for the entire team.

Speaking to the media, the 1993-born central defender commented: “It has been a truly impressive journey. The Vietnam U23 players have performed very well, especially in the last four matches at the AFC U23 Asian Championship. I hope the team will continue to maintain this form and show their mettle in tonight's semi-final.” This belief is entirely justified, as the team has overcome the most difficult challenges to reach the top four in the continent.

The tactical variations employed by coach Kim Sang-sik.

One of the key factors emphasized by Que Ngoc Hai is the tactical imprint of the South Korean strategist. Coach Kim Sang-sik has shown excellent adaptability to different opponents through constantly changing formations. This is rare in previous youth teams, which often adhered to a fixed philosophy.

Specifically, the Vietnam U23 team flexibly switched from a balanced 4-4-2 formation in their opening match to an attacking 3-4-3 against strong opponent Saudi Arabia. Particularly in the match against the UAE, a pragmatic 5-4-1 formation was employed to stifle the opponent's creative play, demonstrating the coaching staff's ability to "read the game" and adapt astutely. Que Ngoc Hai praised this versatility, noting that it made the Vietnam U23 team more unpredictable in the eyes of their opponents.

The scenario recreates the Changzhou miracle after 8 years.

Regarding their Chinese opponents, center-back Que Ngoc Hai believes they are a strong team but not without weaknesses. However, he also cautioned the young players to be mentally prepared for their physically demanding style of play and the dirty tricks they might employ. Maintaining a "cool head and a passionate heart" will be key to controlling the match.

“All four semi-finalists are very strong, and they are all excellent. But I believe U23 Vietnam will beat U23 China and give fans the chance to witness a memorable final match, eight years after the miracle in Changzhou,” Que Ngoc Hai shared emotionally. This encouragement from a seasoned leader like Que Ngoc Hai is not only a source of moral support but also a reminder of the responsibility to write a new chapter in the history of Vietnamese football.

With their current form at its peak and thorough tactical preparation, fans can fully expect a fiery night of competition, where the Vietnam U23 team will once again assert its position on the Asian football map.