Coach Kim Sang-sik shared with Vietnamese media, "We have been here for a month. We truly crave and miss Vietnamese pho. With two more matches ahead, we will strive to win. Everyone on the team misses pho, but we encourage each other to endure and focus on performing well to secure victory in the next game."

Coach Kim Sang-sik celebrates after the 3-2 victory over UAE in the U23 Asia 2026 quarterfinals, at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 16/1. *Photo: AFC*

Under coach Kim's leadership, Vietnam is making a strong impression at the U23 Asia 2026 tournament. The team secured a perfect record of 9 points, winning all matches in Group A. This group included Saudi Arabia, the host and 2022 champion; Jordan, who finished third in 2013; and Kyrgyzstan, which holds a higher FIFA ranking than Vietnam. This marks a historic achievement: it is the first time a Vietnamese men's football team has advanced to the knockout stage of an Asian tournament as group leaders.

In the quarterfinals against UAE last night, Vietnam continued their strong performance, consistently scoring to secure a 3-2 victory after 120 minutes. Players like Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, and Vo Anh Quan had opportunities late in the match, which, if fully capitalized on, could have resulted in an even larger winning margin.

Vietnam will play in the semi-finals on 20/1, facing either Uzbekistan or China. A victory in this match would allow the team to replicate their historic 2018 achievement in Changzhou, China. During that tournament, under coach Park Hang-seo, a generation of players including Nguyen Quang Hai and Do Duy Manh reached the final for the first time, ultimately losing to Uzbekistan in extra time.

Coach Kim emphasized, "My players are performing better each day and overcoming difficulties. We will prepare well to secure victory in the upcoming semi-final."

Echoing their Korean coach's sentiments, center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh, midfielder Nguyen Thai Son, and striker Nguyen Dinh Bac expressed their determination to maintain their current form and achieve their goal of winning the U23 Asia title. Center-back Pham Ly Duc added, "This is the last tournament for the 2003 generation. We will double our efforts to bring victory to Vietnamese fans."

Defender Nguyen Minh Phuc, who scored the winning goal against UAE, stated, "I promise to give my utmost for national pride, my family, and the joy of the fans. We will fight with all our hearts to achieve success in the semi-finals and, hopefully, the final."

Vietnamese players celebrate together after the match against UAE. *Photo: AFC*

Earlier, when tournament organizers asked about the team's endless energy against UAE, captain Khuat Van Khang pointed to the star on his jersey, stating, "Our only motivation is this star on our jersey."

Khuat Van Khang later expressed his happiness with the victory over UAE, affirming the team's collective effort, trust in the coach's tactics, and their fight until the final whistle. He dedicated the recent victory to Vietnamese fans.

The current U23 squad has trained together since late 2024, participating in three friendly tournaments in China and two training camps in Qatar. Their competitive experience includes the U23 Asia 2026 qualifiers, U23 Southeast Asia 2025, and SEA Games 33. Coach Kim's team has notably won the last two official tournaments they competed in.

Duc Dong