Vietnam U23: Ly Duc faces a heavy penalty and a psychological test from coach Kim Sang-sik.
Ahead of the third-place match against South Korea, center-back Ly Duc faces the risk of a six-match suspension, while coach Kim Sang-sik is working to alleviate pressure on the entire team.
The Vietnam U23 team is entering the final stages of its journey at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship with significant personnel and psychological changes. While the coaching staff is striving to lift the team's spirits after their semi-final defeat, news of disciplinary action targeting key defenders is becoming the focus of attention.
Ly Duc faces a lengthy suspension from the AFC.
Vietnam U23 defender Pham Ly Duc is facing the risk of receiving a severe additional penalty from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Following his direct red card in the semi-final match, Chinese media, specifically Sohu, predict that the player could be suspended for up to six matches if the act is classified as serious violence.
Alongside public criticism, coach Vu Tien Thanh spoke out in defense of his player. He analyzed that Ly Duc's mistake stemmed from a chain reaction of defensive system failures, especially after his partner Nguyen Hieu Minh had to leave the field due to injury, leaving Ly Duc without adequate cover.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's unusual tactic before the third-place match.
In preparation for the match against South Korea U23, coach Kim Sang-sik prioritized psychological approaches over focusing on tactics. At the final training session in Saudi Arabia, the South Korean strategist urged the players to perform with the utmost enthusiasm to show their gratitude to the fans.
Vietnam's opponent, South Korea U23, is also showing caution. Coach Lee Min-sung emphasized the need for his players to change their approach, control the game better, and overcome the weaknesses revealed in previous matches.
Bright spots from youth football and women's futsal.
While the U23 team is focusing on the bronze medal, Vietnamese youth football has just received good news from Qatar. At the Alkass International Cup friendly tournament, the PVF U16 team caused a big surprise by drawing 1-1 with PSG U16. This is proof of the progress of youth training in Vietnam when competing against world-renowned academies.
In other news, the Vietnamese women's futsal team is also finalizing its preparations in Ho Chi Minh City. According to the plan, after two weeks of intensive training focusing on tactics and techniques, the entire team will travel to Japan for a training camp. This trip is considered a crucial turning point for the coaching staff to select the optimal lineup and gain practical experience before upcoming international tournaments.
