After advancing from the group stage with a perfect record against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, and Saudi Arabia, Vietnam continued to impress with a 3-2 victory over UAE after 120 minutes. In this match, coach Kim Sang-sik's team consistently held the upper hand, taking the lead three times, with the decisive goal scored at the start of the first extra time period.

"When the physical condition of both sides declined, Vietnam demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity," an article on China's Sohu website analyzed. "Pham Minh Phuc's decisive goal clearly reflected the team's playing style: discipline, patience, and the ability to deliver a knockout blow at the right moment."

Beyond Minh Phuc, many Vietnamese players left a strong impression on Chinese media. Dinh Bac was dynamic on the wing, constantly creating breakthroughs with his speed and combination play. Vietnam's aerial prowess was also effective, as central defenders and forwards often won aerial duels. "Most importantly is the fighting spirit. Despite playing 120 minutes at high intensity, Vietnamese players maintained their focus and determination until the final seconds," the article added.

Pham Ly Duc, Pham Minh Phuc, and Nguyen Dinh Bac (from left) after the victory against UAE in the U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the evening of 16/1/2026. Photo: AFC

Vietnam's progression to the semifinals, following defending champions Japan after the quarterfinals on the evening of 16/1, indicates a "clear shift in the balance of power in Asian youth tournaments," according to Sohu. East Asian teams are increasingly demonstrating stability and a distinct identity. If China and South Korea also win their remaining two quarterfinals, the semifinals will consist entirely of teams from the East Zone of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Tonight, China will face Uzbekistan at 18:30 h Hanoi time, followed four hours later by the Australia - South Korea match. According to the bracket, if China advances, they will meet Vietnam in the semifinals. Therefore, the country's media is also paying attention to the results of coach Kim Sang-sik's team.

Sohu commented that the "semifinals will feature a highly anticipated clash between two footballing nations with many contrasts".

"In recent years, Vietnamese football has made clear progress at both youth and national team levels, while China is still struggling to regain its former position," the article continued. "For China, this is an opportunity to test the effectiveness of its youth training and the reforms discussed for many years. For Vietnam, this is an occasion to assert a new position on the continent, proving that success is no longer a temporary phenomenon."

Main developments of the match.

Another article on the 163 website suggested that China might not be confident enough if they were to face Vietnam in the semifinals. They praised Kim's squad for being "resilient beyond their age, showing composure in crucial moments". "Individual technical skill combined with collective coordination helped Vietnam overcome an opponent superior in physique and strength," the site commented.

The 163 website stated that the most notable strength of the U23 Vietnam team is their ball-handling technique. Against a taller, more physical opponent, Vietnamese players maintained control of the tempo through flexible movement, quick short passes, and ball retention in tight spaces. The average height of Vietnamese midfielders and forwards might be 5 to 10 cm shorter than their opponents, but the team's low center of gravity, high movement frequency, and agility kept the UAE defense constantly on the back foot.

Chinese media also assessed Vietnam's technical ability as "on par with Japan". Vietnam's close-range coordination, ball control under pressure, and passing options are considered top-tier in Asia. The article further praised Dinh Bac for his "footballing intelligence, rhythm control, and superior creativity".

However, the article also pointed out a noteworthy weakness for Vietnam: their aerial defense. "Against crosses and aerial challenges, Vietnam's defense faced difficulties due to limitations in physique and strength," the article added. "This could be a point that opponents might exploit in upcoming matches."

This is the second time Vietnam has advanced past the U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals, following 2018 when coach Park Hang-seo's team reached the final. No other Southeast Asian team has achieved this. "Vietnam has proven that smaller players can succeed in Asia if properly trained in technique and tactics," the Chinese news outlet emphasized.

UAE player vies for the ball with forward Le Phat (number 2). Photo: AFC

Meanwhile, Arab media widely acknowledged Vietnam's deserved victory. "Despite the loss, UAE played an impressive match, demonstrating seriousness and high fighting spirit. Marcelo Broli's squad showed they were an equal and challenging opponent for Vietnam," an article in the leading UAE newspaper Emarat Al Youm stated.

Al-Bayan newspaper remarked that Vietnam and UAE started cautiously, asserting that VAR made correct decisions in disallowing a goal for the West Asian representative in the 16th minute and a non-penalty incident in the 29th minute. The author also admitted that in the second half, UAE's attacking effectiveness decreased, allowing Vietnam to control the game and score their second goal in the 62nd minute with Nguyen Dinh Bac's backward header from about 11 m after a cross from Pham Minh Phuc.

The newspaper also praised goalkeeper Khaled Tawhid for saving Vo Anh Quan's header in the final minutes of the second half, forcing the two teams into extra time. Vietnam capitalized on the confusion in the West Asian representative's defense to score their third goal in the 101st minute with a shot from Minh Phuc. "UAE tried to find an equalizer in the second extra time, but the resilience of Vietnam's defense prevented them from leveling the score a third time," the newspaper added.

Al-Khaleej newspaper commented that UAE had "played an excellent match against Vietnam". When discussing coach Kim Sang-sik's team, the newspaper wrote: "Vietnam made a strong impression in the group stage, winning all three matches, topping their group with maximum points, and being considered one of the strongest teams in the tournament."

Hoang An compiled