"We played an excellent match both with and without the ball. The plan was to keep possession for as long as possible", coach Antonio Puche stated at the post-match press conference. He added, "The players showed great professionalism and spirit. It was a very high-level performance."

On the evening of 20/1 at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, China surprised many by making 6 changes to their starting lineup for the semifinal compared to the quarterfinal. Despite this, the team maintained a disciplined playing style and gradually overpowered Vietnam. Vietnam's defensive solidity was further weakened when center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh left the field early due to injury in the 30th minute.

Coach Antonio Puche Vicente of China attends a press conference at the U23 Asian Championship 2026 finals in Saudi Arabia. Photo: AFC

After a goalless first half, Vietnam made a familiar substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Nguyen Dinh Bac for Nguyen Cong Phuong. However, China unexpectedly broke the deadlock in the 47th minute from a left-wing corner kick. Bao Shengxin delivered a cross that Peng Xiao headed in at the near post. Five minutes later, Xiang Yuwang received the ball near the penalty area, turned, and fired a left-footed shot into the right corner, doubling China's lead.

Vietnam struggled to find a breakthrough, even after coach Kim Sang-sik deployed all of his best attacking players, including Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Quoc Viet, and Le Van Thuan. In the 74th minute, China had a third goal disallowed for offside, but Vietnam also suffered a setback when center-back Pham Ly Duc received a red card for an off-the-ball foul on Behram Abduweli.

The 3-0 scoreline was sealed in the 8th minute of added time following a counter-attack. Abduweli drove down the left wing and delivered a perfect cross for Wang Yudong to tap in from close range, scoring his first goal of the tournament.

This victory secures China's first-ever appearance in the final, where they will face reigning champions Japan on 24/1. Meanwhile, Vietnam will play South Korea in the third-place playoff the day before.

Hieu Luong