U23 Vietnam - U23 South Korea: A Memorable Farewell

The clash against U23 South Korea in the third-place playoff of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup carries significance beyond ranking; it is also an opportunity to assess the development and adaptability of the young players under Coach Kim Sang-sik’s leadership.

U23 Vietnam achieved a streak of four consecutive wins from the group stage to the quarterfinals, showcasing a distinctive style of play. However, the 0-3 defeat to U23 China in the semifinals exposed several weaknesses, especially in game control and minimizing errors against higher-level opponents.

After the semifinal, the U23 Vietnam coaching staff focused on adjusting the players’ mindset, aiming to finish the tournament with a strong performance in the third-place match. This will also mark U23 Vietnam’s last game in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals.

In terms of squad strength and physicality, U23 South Korea is considered slightly superior to U23 Vietnam. With the absence of two key center-backs, Hiểu Minh and Lý Đức, the coaching staff must devise strategies to have players support defense from advanced positions. It is likely that U23 Vietnam will prioritize defensive solidity in this match. A defensive approach with offensive transitions will be an effective tactic.

The ability to transition quickly, maintain team shape, and physical endurance will play a crucial role in creating a balanced game. U23 Vietnam can still rely on the mobility of Đình Bắc, Lê Phát, along with the midfield’s controlling role.

Heading into this match, Coach Kim Sang-sik wants the U23 Vietnam players to feel relaxed and play to their full potential without worrying too much about their overall standing in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

In this match, U23 South Korea is rated higher than U23 Vietnam in terms of skill, stature, and fitness. However, the Korean team has faced several issues this tournament, particularly their inconsistency and finishing ability. After 5 matches, U23 South Korea has scored 6 goals and conceded 6.

Coach Kim Sang-sik is developing U23 Vietnam’s playing style somewhat influenced by Korean football. This could give him an advantage as he understands how U23 South Korea operates and can devise effective counter-strategies. Yet, the question remains whether U23 Vietnam, with a Korean-inspired style, will be at a disadvantage facing the real Korean team.

Notably, Coach Lee Min-sung’s squad stands out with a powerful playing style thanks to their superior physique and stamina. U23 South Korea’s style resembles China’s but at a higher level due to better player quality. This presents a major challenge, as U23 Vietnam has shown vulnerabilities when UAE and China exploited aerial play to target their physical weaknesses.

The third-place match between U23 Vietnam and U23 South Korea will take place at 10 PM on January 23rd at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium’s auxiliary field. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are determined to deliver an exciting and surprising game to thank their fans.

Expected starting lineups for both teams:

U23 Vietnam: Trung Kiên, Đức Anh, Nhật Minh, Văn Hà, Viktor Lê, Văn Khang, Thái Sơn, Xuân Bắc, Minh Phúc, Ngọc Mỹ, Lê Phát.

U23 South Korea: Hong Seong Min, Kang Min Jun, Bae Hyun Seo, Lee Hyun Yong, Lee Geon Hee, Kang Seong Jin, Kim Dong Jin, Kim Yong Hak, Shin Min Ha, Baek Ga On, Jang Seok Hwan.