Coach Kim Sang-sik: Vietnam is ready to face China in the U23 Asian Championship semifinals

Vietnam enters the semifinals with a perfect record of four wins, impressing with proactive play and quick offensive transitions. Meanwhile, China reaches the semifinals for the first time after a challenging journey, relying mainly on disciplined defense and stability at the back.

Coach Kim Sang-sik expressed satisfaction with the spirit and resilience the Vietnamese players have shown since the group stage. According to the Korean coach, the team overcame many difficult moments against strong opponents, especially from the match against Jordan to the quarterfinal against UAE, to reach this stage.

Mr. Kim believes Vietnam is facing a new challenge and predicts a very intense semifinal match. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the players have prepared thoroughly and will approach the game with calmness, determination, and the highest fighting spirit aiming for a spot in the final.

China, Vietnam’s opponent, is having its most successful campaign in the history of the U23 Asian Championship. Coach Antonio Puche’s team recently eliminated the 2018 champions Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals and is currently the only team yet to concede a goal this tournament. China has also recorded three goalless draws, the highest number in the last four U23 Asian Championships.

Coach Puche highly praises Vietnam’s organized play, especially their tight defense and quick attacking transitions. He mentioned that China has faced Vietnam multiple times in the past and understands they are a tough opponent, requiring full concentration to secure a place in the final.

One of China’s biggest strengths is goalkeeper Li Hao, who has made 24 saves in the tournament, the highest among the last four U23 Asian Championships. This keeper currently maintains a 100% save rate among goalkeepers who have faced more than five shots on target.

On the other hand, Vietnam has shown clear progress compared to previous participations. The four wins this year equal the total number of victories the team achieved in the previous five tournaments combined. U23 Vietnam has also scored 8 goals, matching their best record at the 2018 tournament when they reached the final.

Defensively, center backs Nguyen Hieu Minh and Pham Ly Duc are among the players with the most aerial clearances in the tournament, demonstrating solidity in dealing with aerial challenges.

Statistics show this will be the first time Vietnam and China meet in the history of the U23 Asian Championship finals. China remains unbeaten when facing a new opponent for the first time in the tournament, while Vietnam has won both of their last two matches against previously unencountered teams.

The semifinal will take place at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) at 22:30 on January 20th. The winner of this match will advance to the final, moving one step closer to their first-ever U23 Asian Championship title.