Vietnam U23 team enters the semi-finals, predicted to deliver a shocking result; coach reveals unusual preferences.

The U23 Asian Cup semi-final match between Vietnam U23 and China U23 is becoming the focus of attention for football fans in the region.

With only a few hours left until kick-off, the pre-match atmosphere is heating up as predictions, analyses, and comments from fans and experts alike continuously appear on social media.

Many people expect this to be a dramatic match, as both teams have shown determination and consistent form since the start of the tournament.

In other news, public opinion is buzzing as a group of predictors called the I Ching Society has issued unfavorable predictions for the Vietnam U23 team. These predictions quickly sparked controversy, with many reacting negatively, arguing that they dampen morale before the match. Some dissenting comments suggest that predictions are ultimately just predictions and do not determine the outcome on the field.

Conversely, there is also a school of thought that believes that with coach Kim Sang-sik's excellent game reading ability and experience, the Vietnam U23 team can absolutely win against China to reach the final. All that remains is to wait for the opening whistle to determine which predictions will come true.

Not only impressive on the football field, the head coach of the Vietnam U23 team, Kim Sang-sik, recently delighted fans by revealing his unique pho-eating habit: enjoying pho with Korean kimchi.

In a recent KBS (South Korea) entertainment program, glimpses into the daily life of coach Kim Sang-sik in Vietnam were revealed. Alongside the hectic pace of his football career, a moment of him sitting at the breakfast table became a focal point of attention.

Instead of eating pho in the traditional way of locals, with fried dough sticks or chili sauce, Mr. Kim chose to eat it with cabbage kimchi and cucumber kimchi. The image of the South Korean strategist slurping the rich broth while nibbling on crunchy kimchi sparked a lively discussion on social media forums.

Many diners believe that the distinctive sour and spicy flavor of kimchi acts as a "catalyst," balancing the richness of the bone broth while creating an interesting contrast in texture between the soft rice noodles and the crunchy pickled vegetables.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's love for pho doesn't just stop at the unusual way he eats it. A few days ago, during a training session with the Vietnam U23 team at the AFC U23 Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia, he didn't hesitate to express his longing for this dish.

"We've been here for a month. We really miss Vietnamese pho," coach Kim Sang-sik shared with Vietnamese media. "There are two more matches ahead, and we'll try our best to conquer them. Everyone on the team misses pho so much, but we're telling each other to endure it and try to focus on playing well to win the next match."

For Vietnamese fans, the image of Kim Sang-sik with a bowl of pho and kimchi is not simply about eating, but also a symbol of the connection, understanding, and culinary exchange between Vietnam and Korea.

The semi-final match between Vietnam U23 and China U23, predicted by Sports Chosun to be a clash of two opposing styles, will take place on January 20th (10:30 PM Vietnam time).

Doan Van Hau unexpectedly commented on the skill level of his younger teammates in the Vietnam U23 team before the match against China. Bảo Nam14:26:49 19/01/2026Ahead of the semi-final match, the belief in the U23 Vietnam team was also clearly expressed by the senior players in the national team. Defender Doan Van Hau recently shared his frank and confident thoughts about the level of the young Vietnamese team.