In the 101st minute, Vietnam seized an opportunity in the central area. Center-back Nguyen Nhat Minh advanced, skillfully navigating past two defenders before taking a long-range shot. The ball deflected off a UAE defender, landing perfectly for Pham Minh Phuc to strike with his right foot. The ball grazed Ahmad Malalla's leg, changing direction into the right corner, leaving goalkeeper Khaled Tawhid helpless.
Minh Phuc also assisted the second goal with a cross from the right wing to the near post. Nguyen Dinh Bac headed the ball backward into the far corner, securing the goal.
Pham Minh Phuc's goal in the 101st minute helped Vietnam defeat UAE 3-2 in the U23 Asian championship 2026 quarterfinals.
Before the match, many fans discussed Minh Phuc wearing jersey number 21. This number had a history of misfortune for Vietnamese players in decisive U23 Asian championship matches, often resulting in direct red cards, losses, and elimination. Notable instances include Tran Dinh Trong (2020), Quan Van Chuan (2022), and Nguyen Manh Hung (2024).
In 2020, at the tournament in Thailand, Vietnam needed a victory against North Korea in the final group stage match to advance to the quarterfinals. However, errors led to the team falling short of their objective, with Dinh Trong receiving two yellow cards, resulting in an indirect red card. In reality, the 1-1 draw between Jordan and UAE had already eliminated Vietnam, regardless of their own result.
Two years later, in Uzbekistan, Vietnam lost 0-2 to Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals. In the 78th minute, Quan Van Chuan rushed out 40 m from his goal to challenge Al Buraikan, committing a foul and receiving a direct red card. At that point, Vietnam had exhausted their substitutions, forcing the coaching staff to deploy striker Nham Manh Dung as an emergency goalkeeper.
The jinx continued at the U23 Asian championship 2024 finals in Qatar, where Vietnam again lost 0-1 to Iraq in the quarterfinals. This time, defender Nguyen Manh Hung, wearing jersey number 21, was sent off after a foul on Ali Jasim in the first minute of second-half stoppage time.
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Pham Minh Phuc celebrates his goal in the 101st minute, which secured Vietnam's 3-2 victory over UAE in the U23 Asian championship 2026 quarterfinals, at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the evening of 16/1/2025. Photo: Ted Tran
Pham Minh Phuc, born in 2004 in Hung Yen, developed through the Cong an Ha Noi youth academy, joining the first team in 2024. Despite his talent, the defender had received little attention.
During Vietnam's U23 Southeast Asian championship 2025 victory, Minh Phuc was not a regular starter, with coach Kim Sang-sik often preferring Vo Anh Quan. However, by the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian championship 2026, Minh Phuc had earned a starting spot and significantly contributed to the team's success, showcasing his crossing ability, teamwork, and strong physical conditioning.
The victory over UAE marks Vietnam's second appearance in the U23 Asian championship semifinals, following their achievement in 2018. Their next opponent will be the winner of the match between Uzbekistan and China, scheduled for tomorrow evening, 18/1.
Hieu Luong
