Southeast Asian media are igniting support for the Vietnam U23 team ahead of their crucial match against South Korea U23.
Following their semi-final defeat, the Vietnam U23 team received strong support from the region as they head towards a challenging third-place match against South Korea U23 at the 2026 U23 Asian Cup.
The Vietnam U23 team's journey at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship is reaching its final chapter with a dramatic third-place match against strong opponents South Korea U23. Despite the shock 0-3 defeat against China U23 in the semi-finals, coach Kim Sang Sik's team still receives strong support and expectations from the Southeast Asian media.
The mission to restore psychological well-being after the semi-final shock.
The upcoming match in Saudi Arabia is not only a battle for the bronze medal but also a test of character for the young Vietnamese players.CNN IndonesiaThe report asserts that quickly recovering morale is crucial. According to this news analysis, South Korean football possesses a superior level of skill and an extremely fast ability to recover psychologically after a narrow 0-1 defeat against Japan. Therefore, the Vietnam U23 team needs to redouble its efforts to avoid leaving the tournament empty-handed.
Meanwhile, the pageASEAN FootballExpressing pride in the journey of the Southeast Asian representatives, reaching the top four in the continent is seen as proof of the remarkable progress of regional football, following the feat achieved by the Indonesian U23 team in 2024. The resilience of the Vietnamese players under immense pressure has earned considerable respect from international experts.
Determination from Coach Kim Sang Sik
Ahead of the crucial match, coach Kim Sang Sik sent a strong message about fighting spirit. (Quoted from the newspaper)Siam SportThe South Korean strategist affirmed that he and his players would strive until the very last minute. He also expressed his deep gratitude for the enthusiastic support of the fans back home throughout this journey.
To prepare for this match, the coaching staff plans to make adjustments in personnel and tactics to address the weaknesses revealed in the loss against China U23. The goal is nothing less than to deliver a fiercely contested match and win the prestigious medal against their South Korean opponents.
Match details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Vietnam U23 vs South Korea U23 |
| Time | 10:00 PM on January 23rd |
| Location | King Abdullah Stadium, Jeddah |
| Nature | Third-place match - AFC U23 Asian Championship 2026 |
This final match is expected to be a fitting farewell for the Vietnam U23 team at this year's tournament. Interested readers can learn more about the history of the tournament, which has served as a launching pad for many great talents in the region, through in-depth analyses of the U23 Asian Cup.
