In-depth Analysis
U23 Vietnam is riding high on confidence after their victory over U23 Saudi Arabia, securing a perfect 9 points from 3 group matches. This is a historic achievement for Vietnamese youth football, marking the first time they won all matches and topped the group to reach the quarterfinals. However, as goalkeeper Trung Kien emphasized, the team must put the group stage behind and focus fully on the quarterfinal against U23 UAE, where mistakes will not be forgiven.
Although leading Group A, compared to U23 UAE – the runner-up from Group B – Coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad is physically and technically at a disadvantage, despite UAE only winning once, drawing once, and losing once in their group. Additionally, Vietnam has expended significant energy over three intense matches, so recovery will be crucial.
On the other hand, U23 UAE enters the quarterfinals with confidence as the second in their group. Their history against Vietnam also boosts their self-belief, as Vietnam has never beaten this West Asian team, and in their last encounter in 2023, UAE defeated Vietnam 4-0.
After the win over Saudi Arabia, Coach Kim Sang Sik closely watched Group B matches to study the opponent and prepare strategies for the quarterfinal. UAE coach Marcelo Broli also praised Vietnam: “U23 Vietnam is a well-balanced team with fluid movement, a strong and fast squad, effectively limiting central breakthroughs by the opposition.”