Vietnam's impressive 15-match winning streak came to a heartbreaking end on the night of January 20, as they fell 0-3 to China in the semifinal of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. The defeat sends them into the third-place playoff against South Korea on January 23, while China advances to the final to meet Japan.

The semifinal clash, held in Saudi Arabia, saw the Vietnamese side battle hard in the first half but ultimately unravel after the break. Despite a balanced start and several promising attacks, Vietnam failed to convert their chances.

The turning point came in the 32nd minute, when center-back Hieu Minh suffered a serious knee injury while trying to stop a Chinese counterattack. He had to be stretchered off the pitch in tears, unable to continue. Defender Duc Anh was brought on to replace him in what became a forced and difficult tactical adjustment.

With the defensive line unsettled, Vietnam conceded three goals in the second half. China’s Peng Xiao opened the scoring with a powerful header in the 47th minute. Just five minutes later, Xiang Yuwang doubled the lead with a well-placed finish after a defensive lapse. In the final moments of added time, Wang Yudong tapped in a third goal, sealing Vietnam’s heaviest defeat of the tournament.

Despite deploying an aggressive strategy with four forwards in the latter stages, coach Kim Sang Sik’s men couldn’t break through China’s solid backline. Thanh Nhan, Dinh Bac, and Quoc Viet all had close attempts, but China’s goalkeeper Li Hao held firm.

The match ended not only in defeat but also marked the first time Vietnam’s U23 team failed to score under coach Kim Sang Sik. It also broke their perfect streak under his leadership, which had included victories in the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, the 2026 Asian qualifiers, the 33rd SEA Games, and earlier matches of this tournament.

Vietnam’s performance throughout the tournament, however, remains commendable. Their spirited play, tactical discipline, and resilience captured the admiration of fans across the region.

One of the biggest blows for the team moving forward is the confirmed absence of defender Hieu Minh for the rest of the tournament. Medical staff suspect a ligament injury in his knee, meaning he will miss the bronze medal match against South Korea. The center-back had been a key figure in Vietnam’s defense, and his loss was felt immediately in the semifinal’s second half.

Coach Kim Sang Sik now faces the challenge of regrouping his squad, both mentally and tactically, ahead of the third-place showdown. While the final may be out of reach, the opportunity to claim a spot on the podium remains - and U23 Vietnam will be determined to finish strong.

Thien Binh & Dai Nam