Vietnam U23 lost to Syria U23 1-2: A costly lesson in Doha.
The 1-2 defeat against U23 Syria in Doha ended coach Kim Sang-sik's 11-match winning streak, exposing weaknesses in finishing and defensive prowess of the Vietnam U23 team.
This marks the end of an 11-match winning streak.
The Vietnamese U22/U23 teams have a streak of 11 consecutive wins under their coach.Kim Sang-sikThe tournament officially ended after a 1-2 defeat against Syria U23 in Doha. This was not simply a friendly match that ended in defeat, but a serious test that exposed the core issues the young players must face ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
The ability to transform opportunities: A disease without a cure.
Despite possessing outstanding players in the attacking line such asThai Son,North TemplegoodBui Vi HaoHowever, the U23 Vietnam team still faces its biggest obstacle: effectiveness. Kim Sang-sik's team was not outplayed in terms of possession, and at times even imposed their style of play and proactively pressed high up the field. However, the lack of sharpness and composure in the final moments rendered all their efforts meaningless.
On the continental stage, squandering opportunities against high-class opponents is tantamount to suicide. The Syrian U23 team taught the young players a lesson in pragmatism: they may have had fewer chances, but they knew how to capitalize on them to decide the match.
A gap in confidence and a disparity in skill level.
Entering the second half, the Vietnamese U23 team's ability to maintain focus and control the tempo showed clear signs of instability. When trailing, their impatience disrupted their formation, leaving deadly gaps for the opposition to exploit. The second goal conceded was proof that their defensive system lacked the composure to cope with the pressure from the West Asian teams, who were superior in physique and tactical thinking.
This defeat is seen as a necessary "cold shower," reminding us that the gap between the regional arena and the Asian level is still very large. Previous victories cannot be an absolute measure when venturing into the global arena.
Order to change ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship.
Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team face immense challenges ahead, including matches against Saudi Arabia and Jordan at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. Identifying early mistakes in Doha provides an opportunity for the coaching staff to adjust finishing techniques and strengthen the defensive system. Failure to thoroughly address these weaknesses will make progressing deep into the continental tournament extremely difficult.
