In their opening match at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, U23 Vietnam delivered a performance that was not only tactically sound but emotionally powerful. With a composed 2-0 victory over U23 Jordan, the young squad under coach Kim Sang Sik signaled its growing stature in Asian football - and drew praise from across the region.

The goals that made a statement

The match, held in Doha, Qatar, saw Vietnam take the lead early after a VAR-confirmed handball in the Jordanian box. Midfielder Nguyen Dinh Bac stepped up in the 15th minute and calmly slotted the penalty into the net.

Just minutes before halftime, defender Tran Hieu Minh doubled the lead. Rising above the Jordan defense, he connected with a corner and buried the chance with assurance - his goal later lauded as one of the most important turning points in the match.

Vietnam’s early 2-0 advantage allowed them to dictate the pace in the second half, staying defensively compact and frustrating Jordan’s efforts to mount a comeback.

Tactical discipline and preparation

Speaking after the match, head coach Kim Sang Sik revealed his team had studied Jordan carefully and anticipated their playing style. “We planned for a high pressing approach and targeted set pieces. The players executed with discipline and courage,” Kim said.

Indeed, Vietnam’s defensive shape remained solid throughout the match. Jordan’s offensive threats were consistently neutralized, and the midfield transitions flowed with ease and intent.

The team’s tactical intelligence - a trademark of Kim Sang Sik’s coaching - proved decisive. Analysts pointed to Vietnam’s fluid combination play, smart pressing, and balanced structure as reasons for their dominance.

Hieu Minh’s standout performance

Among the most talked-about names after the match was center-back Tran Hieu Minh. Not only did he score the second goal, but he also anchored Vietnam’s defense with maturity beyond his years.

Observers noted his composure under pressure, aerial strength, and game-reading ability - all of which helped Vietnam keep a clean sheet against a physically aggressive Jordan side.

Hieu Minh’s performance added weight to the growing narrative of Vietnam’s new generation: talented, well-prepared, and fearless on the big stage.

Reactions from the opposing camp

U23 Jordan’s head coach didn’t shy away from admitting the defeat was deserved. In a post-match interview, he praised Vietnam’s structured play and acknowledged the superiority of the Vietnamese side in both organization and execution.

Despite entering the match with high hopes, Jordan struggled to create meaningful chances, and their coach admitted the early goals disrupted their game plan.

AFC and regional media applaud

Vietnam’s win reverberated across Asian football media. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officially spotlighted the victory, summing it up in just four words: “Vietnam start with style.”

International observers, including Indonesian media outlets, praised U23 Vietnam as one of the most impressive teams in the tournament’s first round. Headlines called the victory “commanding,” and Vietnam’s performance was described as “mature and dangerous.”

AFC’s social media accounts praised both the goals and the team’s fluid play, highlighting U23 Vietnam as a contender worth watching closely.

A turning point for Vietnamese football?

The victory goes beyond just three points. It reflects a strategic evolution in Vietnamese youth football: a focus on tactical rigor, fitness, and player development.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has quickly built a disciplined, versatile team. With such depth and clarity, Vietnam is not just participating at the U23 level - it is competing to win.

Players like Dinh Bac and Hieu Minh have emerged as potential leaders of the next generation, and the team’s collective identity continues to strengthen with every match.

Eyes on the next round

With this win, Vietnam tops Group A and builds momentum ahead of tougher challenges. Their next matches will test the consistency and depth of the squad - but if this performance is any indication, U23 Vietnam is ready for more.

Coach Kim Sang Sik reminded fans and media alike: “This is just the beginning. We have much to improve, but the spirit is strong, and our goals are clear.”

As AFC U23 2026 continues, Vietnam’s name will be one to watch - not only for results, but for the smart, bold football they bring to the pitch.

Hoang Hiep