Vietnam’s U23 team clinched third place at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship after a dramatic 7-6 win in the penalty shootout against South Korea on the evening of January 23. 

After an intense 120 minutes of football that ended in a 2-2 draw, the match was decided by penalties-where Vietnam held their nerve to deliver one of the most memorable wins in their U23 history.

Shootout drama ends in Vietnamese joy

The penalty shootout unfolded with relentless tension. South Korea scored first, but Vietnam’s Nguyen Van Khang leveled. The kicks went back and forth, each side matching the other until the 12th round, when goalkeeper Cao Van Binh saved a crucial attempt-his first in the shootout.

That set the stage for Nguyen Thanh Nhan, who coolly converted the final kick to seal the 7-6 victory and send the Vietnamese squad into jubilation.

Grit and glory in 120 minutes

Before the shootout, the match had already delivered plenty of drama. Vietnam took the lead in the 30th minute with a brilliant strike from Nguyen Quoc Viet, who finished confidently after a smart setup by Dinh Bac.

South Korea equalized just before the hour mark through Kim Tae-won’s low-driven shot from outside the box.

Then came a moment of magic: in the 71st minute, captain Nguyen Dinh Bac curled a sensational free-kick from 20 meters out into the top right corner-putting Vietnam back ahead with a goal worthy of any highlight reel.

But with just minutes left in regular time, Shin Min-Ha equalized for South Korea. His powerful turn-and-shoot from the edge of the box came as Vietnam were down to 10 men following a red card to Dinh Bac for a dangerous tackle in the 86th minute.

Vietnam hold on through extra time

With a numerical disadvantage, Vietnam showed immense resilience in extra time. South Korea pressed hard, but goalkeeper Cao Van Binh delivered a standout performance, repeatedly denying close-range headers and long-range strikes.

Notably, in the 110th minute, Van Binh leapt to claim a cross directly above an advancing South Korean striker, putting his body on the line and briefly going down injured.

Despite wave after wave of attacks, Vietnam’s defensive discipline held firm. The final whistle after 120 minutes confirmed what had already become clear: this team was not ready to surrender.

A third-place finish, but a first in spirit

While it may not have been the final, the match had all the emotions of a title clash. Vietnam’s ability to stay composed, outlast their opponents, and triumph in penalties speaks volumes of their maturity and development on the continental stage.

From Quoc Viet’s opener, to Dinh Bac’s free-kick, to Van Binh’s saves and Thanh Nhan’s final kick-the night belonged to U23 Vietnam.

The bronze medal marks a significant milestone in their journey, and a reminder that in Asian football, Vietnam remains a team to watch.

PV