* Vietnam - UAE: 10:30 PM Friday 16/1, on VnExpress.

In an article titled "Vietnam is a strong contender for the U23 Asian Cup semi-finals," CNN Indonesia commented that coach Kim Sang-sik's team delivered an impressive performance in the group stage and will only face a "mid-tier opponent" like UAE (United Arab Emirates) in the quarter-finals.

"Vietnam further demonstrated its strength by defeating Saudi Arabia in the final match of Group A," the article stated. "Saudi Arabia was not an ordinary opponent and played on home turf. However, the undeniable quality of Khuat Van Khang and his teammates completely subdued the home players."

Midfielder Nguyen Cong Phuong (number 18) dribbles the ball during Vietnam's victory over Saudi Arabia at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the final match of Group A of the U23 Asian Cup on the evening of 12/1. Photo: AFC

Before defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0, Vietnam had overcome Jordan 2-0 and Kyrgyzstan 2-1. These results helped coach Kim's team finish first in Group A, setting up a quarter-final clash with UAE instead of Japan.

According to Indonesian media, Vietnam's effective and precise playing style is a significant factor in their success. UAE was initially in the third seed group before the U23 Asian Cup 2026 final draw, while Vietnam was in the second. CNN noted that UAE's recent group stage performance further demonstrated they are not a strong contender. "Vietnam has proven its ability to defeat Middle Eastern teams like Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the group stage," the report added. "Therefore, coach Kim's team has a great opportunity to reach the semi-finals. However, they cannot underestimate UAE. If they perform below expectations, Vietnam will be eliminated."

Tribun News also highly rates Vietnam's chances of advancing in the quarter-finals. "Vietnam holds a significant advantage, having one more day of rest than UAE, which will result in better physical condition," the article stated. "Vietnam also achieved a perfect record in the group stage and has no absent players for the quarter-final match."

The newspaper also praised the commendable sportsmanship shown by Vietnamese players after their victory over the host nation. Saudi Arabia's number 10 midfielder, Musab Al-Juwayr, collapsed to the ground and cried after the final whistle. Players like Nguyen Dinh Bac and Pham Minh Phuc approached to console him. After Saudi Arabia's loss to Jordan in the second group stage match, Al-Juwayr also cried but was mocked by his opponents.

Indonesian media has warned of a potential issue for Vietnam regarding accumulated yellow cards. Seven players received one yellow card in the group stage: Minh Phuc, Nguyen Thai Son, Vo Anh Quan, Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Cong Phuong, and Dinh Bac. Any player from this group who receives another yellow card in the quarter-final match against UAE will be suspended for the semi-finals.

According to tournament regulations, yellow cards are only cleared starting from the semi-finals, to prevent players from being suspended for the final due to two yellow cards. Consequently, Tran Quoc Tuan, President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), had to remind players to stay focused and avoid receiving additional yellow cards against UAE.

By Hoang An