U23 Vietnam closed their 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup campaign with a historic bronze medal finish. It was a result few had predicted - especially considering the tournament’s tough group stage and knockout bracket - but the team surpassed expectations with resilience, tactical growth, and youthful energy.

Success beyond medals

While the most tangible success was the third-place finish, the deeper value came from how the team played. Under head coach Kim Sang Sik, U23 Vietnam displayed a clearer identity: more discipline, better structure, and tactical pragmatism.

Rather than forcing a style beyond their ability, the players knew when to press, when to drop deep, and when to strike on the counter. The squad showed awareness and adaptability rarely seen at this level.

More importantly, the tournament revealed a promising new generation. For many, it was their first time on the continental stage. They didn’t just survive - they impressed. Several stepped up with composure in high-pressure moments, proving Vietnam’s youth pipeline is very much alive.

The semifinal heartbreak - and lessons learned

But the journey wasn’t without scars.

The semifinal loss to U23 China was a sobering moment. It wasn’t just a defeat in scoreline, but a loss in focus and preparation. Entering the match with misplaced confidence, Vietnam struggled to adapt to adversity and were outplayed tactically and mentally.

There were also disciplinary lapses. Ly Duc had already been suspended for reckless play, and in the third-place match against South Korea, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac received a direct red card in the 86th minute for a dangerous challenge. It forced Vietnam to play extra time with ten men and nearly cost them the match.

As a result, Dinh Bac - born in 2004 and no longer eligible for future U23 cycles - will miss at least two senior national team matches, including the World Cup qualifier against Malaysia on March 31.

It was an emotional setback for the talented forward, who had played a key role in the match - assisting Quoc Viet’s opener and scoring a stunning free-kick to make it 2-1.

“Inside the locker room, I just kept praying,” he wrote on social media. “Thank you, my brothers, for fighting for me. I’m so grateful.”

Fatigue, injury, and squad rotation

The team also paid the price of limited rotation. Center-back Hieu Minh, a standout performer throughout the tournament, suffered a torn ACL in the semifinal and will be sidelined for 6–9 months. Some questioned whether more rotation could have preserved key players like him, especially with capable options such as Van Ha and Duc Anh showing their worth in the third-place match.

Coach Kim Sang Sik, though still relatively young, showed strong leadership and bold decision-making. He approached each match with a clear plan, adapted to opponents, and gave several players a chance to shine.

Broadcast commentator Quang Huy praised both the tactical growth and emotional development of the team.

“In the semifinal, there was a sense of overconfidence,” he said. “But against South Korea, after that painful fall, the players entered with a more grounded mindset - and they fought with incredible heart.”

U23 Vietnam took the lead twice in regular time, and though Korea equalized late, the Vietnamese side held firm in extra time before prevailing on penalties.

Coach Kim, keeper coach Lee, and the future

Coach Kim’s decisions drew praise, but it was also a learning curve. “He knows how to start matches aggressively,” said Quang Huy, “but must also learn to close them out calmly. Against Korea, we showed that playing smart defense and dragging the game into penalties can work too.”

The influence of goalkeeper coach Lee Woon Jae was also highlighted. Vietnam’s young goalkeepers had raw talent, but Lee’s mentoring brought poise and precision to the position - crucial in the shootout.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s young players will have chances to prove themselves at the V-League, the upcoming Asiad, and potentially at senior level.

“Some may even return for SEA Games,” Quang Huy added. “They’ve shown they have what it takes, but now they need a stronger, more competitive domestic environment to grow.”

A bronze medal - and a mirror

In the end, the 2026 U23 Asian Cup gave Vietnam much more than a medal. It offered a mirror - reflecting both the progress made and the road still ahead.

From Dinh Bac’s regret to Hieu Minh’s injury and Coach Kim’s bold leadership, the team experienced the highs and lows that build champions.

The bronze medal is deserved, but it must not be the final destination. Only by learning from both triumph and failure can Vietnamese football continue its climb.

Duy Nguyen - Dai Nam