The AFC website's article, titled "A Resilient Vietnam Made Coach Kim Sang-sik Proud", highlighted the team's performance. The article noted that "unlike the first two matches with an attractive attacking style, Vietnam played more defensively against Saudi Arabia." Coach Kim himself described Vietnam's victory as "miraculous."

Kim Sang-sik and his team took a group photo after Vietnam's victory over Saudi Arabia at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the evening of 12/1, during the final matchday of Group A of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. Photo: AFC

A separate AFC article commended Vietnam's "determined performance" on the evening of 12/1. It highlighted that "Saudi Arabia desperately sought a goal in the final minutes to keep their hopes alive, but only created one chance, which goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien neutralized."

The FIFA World Cup's official fanpage also lauded the Vietnamese players, commenting, "Fly like Trung Kien, shoot like Dinh Bac," in praise of two standout players. Tran Trung Kien made 7 crucial saves, and Dinh Bac scored the match's only goal in the 64th minute.

Although the FIFA World Cup page's post was in Vietnamese and only visible to users in Vietnam, it garnered nearly 100.000 likes.

Key moments from Vietnam's 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

Chinese media outlets also lauded Vietnam's 1-0 victory against the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup hosts. An article on the 163 website commented, "The tournament witnessed dramatic developments," adding that "Vietnam eliminated the hosts, who were also the most valuable team in the tournament."

Transfermarkt data revealed Saudi Arabia's squad was valued at 9,8 million USD, the highest in the tournament, with midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr alone worth 4,7 million USD. In contrast, Vietnam's total squad value stood at just 3,7 million USD.

Another article on the 163 website analyzed Vietnam's tactical shift, adapting their playing style to compensate for physical limitations. It stated, "They do not rely on physical strength but focus on observing space, quick transitions, and organized defensive formations. Physical build and stamina are not the most important factors in football, but rather how effectively available resources are utilized."

Kim Sang-sik's team will learn their quarterfinal opponent tonight, 13/1, following the match between Syria and UAE. UAE needs only a draw to secure a clash with Vietnam, while Syria must win to avoid elimination from the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. Chinese media expressed confidence in Vietnam's ability to win, regardless of who they face.

The article further elaborated: "Both teams have strengths and weaknesses. UAE possesses flexible tactics but lacks thorough preparation. Syria is in poor form with a weak defense, making them a relatively manageable opponent for Vietnam."

Historically, Vietnam has never beaten UAE in 8 U23-level encounters, with 4 draws and 4 losses. Against Syria, the teams have met 4 times, resulting in one win, two draws, and one loss for each side. In official matches, Vietnam has recorded one draw and one win against Syria.

By Hoang An