Thai media reacts negatively to Vietnam U23's victory, while Chinese netizens go wild over one particular reason.

On the night of January 16th and the early morning of January 17th, football fans in the region witnessed an emotional "feast" as the Vietnam U23 team defeated the UAE U23 team with a score of 3-2 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

This victory not only propelled coach Kim Sang Sik's team into the semi-finals but also sparked a heated discussion across Asian social media platforms.

120 minutes of breathtaking action and the spirit of "Modern Asia"

Facing a UAE U23 team boasting a squad of physically superior naturalized players, the Vietnam U23 team entered the match with tenacity and iron discipline. Despite some close calls when their opponents' shots hit the crossbar and goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien's goal, the "Golden Star Warriors" held firm thanks to their well-organized formation.

The turning point of the match came from a tactical substitution in the 40th minute. Nguyen Dinh Bac came on and immediately proved his worth. He displayed skillful footwork, bypassing the opposing defense before setting up Le Phat to open the scoring. Although UAE quickly equalized 1-1 thanks to a header from Junior Ndiaye, that was only the beginning of a dramatic chase.

Nguyen Dinh Bac – "Genius" and Ronaldo-style celebration

In the second half, Dinh Bac once again became the center of attention with a delicate backward header that put Vietnam ahead 2-1. Siam Sport of Thailand showered him with praise, calling it a "moment of genius." Although UAE captain Mansoor Almenhali leveled the score again, Vietnam's fighting spirit prevailed at the right moment.

In the 101st minute of extra time, Pham Minh Phuc scored a decisive goal to seal a 3-2 victory. The entire stadium erupted, marking the second time in Vietnamese football history that they have reached the semi-finals of this prestigious tournament since their miraculous performance in Changzhou in 2018.

Thai media: "Vietnam has become a real powerhouse."

Thai media outlets have unanimously expressed admiration for the "modern Asian style" of play displayed by Coach Kim Sang Sik's team. They believe that the Vietnam U23 team is no longer a fleeting "phenomenon" but has become a real force, forcing other Southeast Asian nations to re-evaluate themselves. The sustainable development of their youth training system has ensured that Vietnam is not at all at a disadvantage when facing taller West Asian opponents.

Chinese netizens: "Vietnam is on par with Japan"

Not only Thailand, but the Chinese online community also erupted after the match. On social media platforms, netizens in China continuously showered the players in red jerseys with praise:

Superior technique: Many commentators believe that Vietnam's current ball-control and short-passing style of play is on par with that of the Japanese U23 team.

The appeal of number 7: Nguyen Dinh Bac became the most searched name with his celebration in the style of Cristiano Ronaldo's "Siu". His stamina and individual technique were considered the biggest highlights of the match.

World Cup Dream: "Vietnam deserves to move forward! They are getting very close to the top level in Asia and have a real chance of qualifying for the World Cup," commented a Chinese social media user.

The victory against the UAE U23 team is not just a result; it's a testament to the position and prowess of Vietnamese youth football. With their devastating form and a streak of four consecutive wins, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team is writing a new, proud chapter, delighting over 100 million fans and earning the respect of the international community.

UAE U23 coach says he was "shocked" by the loss to Vietnam, admits regret, but holds his head high? Tuyết Linh08:22:40 17/01/2026Following their nail-biting 2-3 defeat to Vietnam U23 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship on the morning of January 17th, coach Marcelo Broli expressed regret, but affirmed that the UAE U23 team played a game full of effort and resilience.