Ahead of tonight’s semifinal between U23 Vietnam and U23 China, the AFC Asian Cup’s official fanpage posted a short but powerful message: "The whole of Vietnam stands behind the U23 boys! Do you believe U23 Vietnam will advance?" The post was paired with three emotional reactions: “ Believe – Truly believe – Absolutely believe.”

In just a short time, the post drew thousands of reactions from both Vietnamese and regional fans. A wave of hearts and fire emojis flooded the comment section - an online surge of morale-boosting energy that showed the strength of belief in Coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad as they head into the pivotal match at 10:30pm tonight (January 20).

More than just a call for online engagement, AFC’s gesture was widely seen as recognition of Vietnam’s remarkable journey at this year’s tournament.

After a perfect group stage and a thrilling victory over U23 UAE in the quarterfinals, the team in red has won over not only analysts but also a growing base of fans across Asia.

As they prepare to face U23 China - a team known for its disciplined defense and gritty mindset - moral support from fans is being hailed as a vital psychological boost for U23 Vietnam.

The AFC’s post, in this context, isn’t just a cheer - it’s a symbolic reminder that an entire nation is walking alongside these young players in their quest to reach the Asian summit.

Thien Binh