UAE U23 coach says he was "shocked" by the loss to Vietnam, admits regret, but holds his head high?

Following 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.

Following a tense 120-minute match against Vietnam U23, UAE U23 coach Marcelo Broli shared his honest yet calm thoughts. Despite his team's disappointing 2-3 defeat, the Belgian coach expressed pride in his players' fighting spirit and performance in an emotionally charged contest.

According to Mr. Broli, the final score doesn't fully reflect what the UAE U23 team showed on the field. It was a match where both teams played with high intensity, constantly applying pressure and pushing their physical and mental limits. The UAE U23 team didn't give up until the very last second, and that's what made Coach Broli feel at peace despite the unexpected result.

"We really wanted to go further, but that didn't happen. Even so, I'm still proud of this match. The whole team fought until the very last minute. We leave the tournament feeling relaxed, knowing that we gave our all," he said.

The UAE U23 strategist also praised the way the players executed the tactics set by the coaching staff. Facing a Vietnam U23 team very strong in transitions and quick counter-attacks, Coach Broli believed his team had somewhat controlled the game and limited dangerous attacking opportunities from their opponents.

"The team implemented their game plan correctly and somewhat limited the dangerous transitional power of the Vietnam U23 team. In fact, the Vietnam U23 team didn't have any opportunities from that style of play," he affirmed.

These statements show that the UAE U23 team was not at all outmatched tactically. They played proactively, were organized, and maintained discipline throughout the 120 minutes of the match. However, in the decisive moments, the composure and experience of the Vietnam U23 team helped them make the difference.

Speaking about the significance of the tournament, coach Marcelo Broli particularly emphasized the role of continental youth competitions in player development. According to him, it's not just a place to compete, but also an environment where players learn to handle pressure, overcome setbacks, and mature both psychologically and professionally.

"The UAE U23 team has vision and is on the right track. We know how to face difficulties, and that gives the whole team confidence. International youth tournaments should be appreciated, because they are the foundation for players to mature and gradually rise to the national team," Coach Broli concluded.

Conversely, the Vietnam U23 team once again demonstrated their resilience and tenacity in crucial matches. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik , the young players played tenaciously, refusing to give up even when trailing and constantly facing difficult situations. It was this persistent fighting spirit that helped Vietnam U23 secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against the UAE, sending fans into a frenzy of emotion.

This victory is not only significant in terms of the result, but also demonstrates the clear progress of Vietnamese youth football on the continental stage. It is a victory of belief, of thorough preparation, and of a burning desire to reach new heights. Meanwhile, the UAE U23 team left the tournament with their heads held high.

Coach Kim reveals his strategy to defeat UAE U23 in the Asian quarter-finals; Vietnam U23 is ready to create an upset. Thanh Yên11:37:35 16/01/2026Vietnam U23 enters the knockout stage of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship with a perfect record in the group stage. Coach Kim Sang Sik is confident against UAE U23, determined to achieve a historic milestone in the semi-finals.