In the semi-finals, Vietnam suffered a 0-3 defeat to China. This marked the team's heaviest loss against this opponent at the U23 level since the 1999 Olympic qualifiers. Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad experienced their most stagnant match of the tournament, losing momentum and revealing defensive errors. The team also lost two key defenders: Nguyen Hieu Minh due to injury and Pham Ly Duc due to a red card.

South Korea also lost 0-1 to Japan, who fielded only U21 players. While Japan prepares for the 2028 Olympics, South Korea maintains its traditional incentive of military exemption for players who win the Asian championship.

These semi-final outcomes fuel both Vietnam and South Korea's determination to win today's bronze medal match. With championship dreams dashed, this is the final opportunity for both teams to alleviate the sting of defeat and salvage their pride.

In previous U23 Asian Championship finals, Vietnam lost 1-2 to South Korea in 2018 and drew 1-1 in 2022 during the group stage. In 2025, the two teams met in the U23 Panda Cup friendly in China, with results including a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 victory for South Korea.

This marks Vietnam's first time playing in a third-place match. South Korea, however, is playing their third, having previously lost 2-3 on penalties to Jordan in 2013 and 0-1 to Qatar in 2018.

By Quang Dung - Vy Anh