Held in Saudi Arabia, the quarterfinal was an intense showdown that tested every ounce of grit and tactical intelligence the Vietnamese side could muster. Despite twice losing their lead in regular time, the team remained composed and confident under pressure - a trait that drew admiration from the Indonesian press, who called Vietnam a serious title contender. “U23 Vietnam showed the mentality of a true champion,” Bola wrote, praising the team’s ability to stay calm and decisive even in extra time.

The game opened with Nguyen Le Phat’s goal, only for Junior Ndiaye to quickly level for UAE. A second-half header by Nguyen Dinh Bac restored Vietnam’s lead, but was again canceled out by Mansoor Al Menhali. A stunning moment came in the 101st minute when Pham Minh Phuc’s scrappy finish inside the box sealed the victory.

Kompas described it as a “tense battle that extended into extra time, where Vietnam ultimately triumphed through sheer determination.”

Vietnam’s performance wasn’t just applauded by regional media. FIFA also took notice. On its verified World Cup Facebook page, the organization posted a short, cryptic message: “Winx magic, Kim Sang Sik.” Though only seven words, the message carried a powerful nod to the tactical ingenuity and spirit shown by the South Korean coach.

Later, FIFA added another poetic line: “A dream awaits its end…” - accompanied by an image juxtaposing the 2018 and 2026 generations of Vietnamese U23 stars. For fans, it was a touching homage to the legacy of Thường Châu and a call to finish what was once so painfully close.

Undefeated and undeniable: Vietnam’s rise under Kim Sang Sik

The win over UAE marked the 15th straight victory under coach Kim Sang Sik. Since taking charge, the Korean tactician has guided U23 Vietnam through the U23 Southeast Asian Championship, SEA Games 33, and now into the semifinals of the AFC U23 Championship - each time with unshakable consistency and discipline.

Vietnam’s journey in this tournament has been remarkable. After topping Group A with three wins - defeating Jordan (2-0), Kyrgyzstan (2-1), and host nation Saudi Arabia (1-0) - they conquered the formidable UAE in what many are calling the most thrilling match of the tournament so far.

Kim Sang Sik’s message after the game was simple yet emphatic: “It doesn’t matter whether we face China or Uzbekistan - we will win.” He expressed gratitude to his players and fans, praising the team’s endurance and tactical discipline throughout 120 intense minutes.

He also highlighted the importance of physical conditioning, revealing that his players had a stamina advantage over the UAE, which he leveraged through smart substitutions and aggressive instructions during extra time.

From Southeast Asia’s hope to continental force

Vietnam’s triumph resonated far beyond national pride. Fans across Southeast Asia flooded social media with heartfelt messages. A supporter from Myanmar wrote: “I want Vietnam to be Southeast Asia’s champion in 2026.” Indonesians sent their love. Cambodians wished for Vietnam to lift the trophy. From Singapore to Malaysia, the region rallied behind Vietnam, celebrating not just a win, but a symbol of collective hope.

The AFC itself echoed those sentiments. Its official channels celebrated the win with the evocative line: “Thường Châu snow returns!!” - a poetic callback to the snowy battlefield of 2018 when Vietnam’s golden generation reached the final. The spirit of that campaign, filled with bravery and unity, now lives on in the boots of Nguyen Dinh Bac, Pham Minh Phuc, and their teammates.

AFC also honored Dinh Bac with the Man of the Match award. Coming off the bench in the first half after Viktor Le’s injury, the 2004-born forward delivered a sublime assist for Le Phat’s opening goal, then scored a beautiful header himself. Statistically, he completed 81% of his passes, created two chances, and had a perfect record in aerial duels and tackles - a complete performance in every sense.

A perfect performance? Not quite - but a perfect result

Vietnam’s win wasn’t flawless. Missed opportunities - such as Vo Anh Quan’s late header saved by the UAE goalkeeper - could have ended the game in regular time. But the true quality of this side lies not in perfection, but in its resilience.

Duy Nguyen of VietnamNet noted, “The win may not have been perfect, but it was full of class.” Indeed, when the moment came, Vietnam delivered. The players held their shape, controlled the tempo, and surged forward with purpose in extra time - qualities that underscore their growth and confidence.

Coach Kim acknowledged room for improvement but praised his players’ ability to follow tactical instructions and adapt under pressure. “We were better prepared physically,” he said. “That was our edge.”

From snow to sand: a dream closer than ever

While AFC does not offer prize money for youth tournaments - aiming instead to foster long-term development - the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has stepped up. After their quarterfinal victory, the team received an additional USD 48,000 bonus, bringing their total earnings to over USD 125,000. The reward reflects not just their results, but the national pride they carry.

Still, the bigger prize awaits.

Vietnam will face China in the semifinals on January 20. The goal is clear: to return to the final, and this time, to finish the dream.

Dai Nam-Ngoc Huy