As the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 reaches its defining stage, all eyes turn to the semifinal between Vietnam and China, kicking off at 22:30 on January 20 at Al-Faisal Stadium. With both teams unbeaten and full of belief, the encounter promises tension, discipline, and perhaps a moment of brilliance that tips the balance.

For Vietnam, this is more than a semifinal  -  it's a test of resilience, identity, and ambition. Coach Kim Sang Sik, calm and assured, entered the pre-match press conference with quiet conviction.

“We’re proud to be among the last four,” he said. “This journey has been far from easy. Every match was a battle, and my players have always shown courage, fighting for the flag. That’s why we’re here.”

Their opponent, U23 China, have impressed with a defensive record unmatched in the tournament  -  four matches, zero goals conceded. Leading that wall is goalkeeper Li Hao, a name that’s become synonymous with calm and command.

“Li Hao is an exceptional goalkeeper,” Vietnam’s shot-stopper Trung Kien admitted. “To keep a clean sheet in all four matches of a tournament this big  -  that’s special. But we’re not afraid. We’re focused on our own game.”

China’s head coach Antonio Puche acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that Vietnam are tactically sharp and dangerous in transition. “We know them well. We’ve met three times in the last two years. They move the ball quickly, stay compact, and switch from defense to attack with great speed,” he said.

Still, Puche made no secret of his ambition: “We’re not here to stop in the semifinal. Our dream is the final, and we’re ready to fight for it.”

For Vietnam, the belief is built on more than past results. Their 1-0 win over China at the Panda Cup 2025, though not a direct comparison, planted a seed of confidence. “That result gives us belief,” said Kim. “But both sides have changed. We’ve prepared thoroughly for this  -  every situation, every scenario.”

One name that continues to draw attention from both media and opponents is Nguyen Dinh Bac. With three goals and one assist so far, he’s become a central threat. Chinese sports outlets have urged their team to “lock down the number 7,” calling him the sharpest blade in Vietnam’s attack.

Yet coach Kim insists Vietnam’s strength lies in the whole. “We don’t depend on individuals. Our structure, our unity  -  that’s what carries us.”

Trung Kien agrees. “We’re not just playing for the result. We’re playing for the fans, for everyone back home. And we’ll give everything.”

China, too, are entering new territory. This is their first-ever U23 Asian Cup semifinal, and defender Liu Hao Fan says the pressure has now turned into fuel. “We’ve broken through. Now we play without fear, with full intensity,” he said. “We’re even ready for penalties  -  we’ve trained for it.”

Kim, however, wants the job done in 90 minutes  -  or 120 if needed. He brushed off concerns about injuries: “All our players are ready.”

This semifinal isn’t just about two teams. It’s about two nations with rising football dreams, a region watching, and a sport that continues to grow deeper roots in Southeast and East Asia.

“We know people are watching from Vietnam and Korea, and they believe in us,” Kim said. “I hope we can meet Korea in the final.”

But first, there’s the wall of Li Hao. There’s the physicality of China. And there’s the spirit of Vietnam  -  courageous, methodical, and quietly burning with belief.

Dai Nam