Chinese Media: U23 Vietnam is the Opponent China Most Wants to Face in the Semifinals

This analysis was published on Sohu, reflecting a professional perspective that compares tactical and psychological aspects ahead of the crucial match scheduled for 10:30 PM on January 20th, Vietnam time.

U23 China’s journey to the semifinals is considered one of the most grueling since the team’s inception. In the quarterfinal, China endured 120 minutes of intense defensive play against U23 Uzbekistan, almost abandoning offense to protect their goal. This style is likened to Greece’s approach in EURO 2004, featuring an extremely deep defensive line requiring tactical discipline and absolute compliance from all 11 players on the field. The article suggests that Coach Antonio has found the best strategy suited to the current state of Chinese youth football, which might even be applied to the senior national team in the future.

From this viewpoint, facing U23 Vietnam in the semifinals is seen as a “more comfortable” scenario compared to a rematch with Uzbekistan or confronting physically strong and psychologically pressured teams like Japan or South Korea. Sohu highlights psychological factors as a key reason why China “prefers” Vietnam, as the perceived lower invisible pressure allows Chinese players to continue employing their familiar counter-attacking defensive tactics.

Conversely, Chinese media regards U23 Vietnam’s strength as a prime example of the rapid progress in Southeast Asian youth football since the 2018 AFC U23 Championship. Vietnam’s squad this year includes many players who have been key figures in the youth ranks, notably striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc—considered the main attacking force and already experienced at the senior national team level despite being only 19. Other notable names include Nguyễn Thái Sơn and Khuất Văn Khang, forming a clear succession framework from youth levels to the national team.

In terms of playing style, U23 Vietnam maintains the typical Southeast Asian approach, emphasizing individual skills, ball control, and close teamwork. Compared to Thailand—a regional rival they faced in the group stage—Vietnam is rated higher for the smoothness of their attacking patterns. This unity from youth levels to the national team has led to U23 Vietnam being described as a “lower-tier version of Japan,” not only in technique but also in their resilient fighting spirit, ready to burst forth in challenging moments.

Chinese media also analyzed U23 Vietnam’s performance in detail. The red-shirted team won all their group matches against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, and Saudi Arabia to top the group, then defeated UAE 3-2 after extra time in the quarterfinal. Notably, Vietnam displayed tactical flexibility by frequently changing formations—from 4-4-2 in the opening match, 3-4-3 against Saudi Arabia, to 5-4-1 in the knockout stage to ensure defensive solidity. This indicates very thorough preparation.

However, this flexibility may make it difficult for Vietnam to maintain the five-defender system against China’s “concrete block” defense. The article predicts Vietnam will likely switch to a more offensive formation, such as 3-4-3, to try to break through the dense defense. This could be the moment for China to exploit their height advantage and set-piece situations, as Vietnam’s last two conceded goals came from aerial duels.

Chinese media also quoted cautious remarks from goalkeeper Li Hao and Coach Antonio, emphasizing a “one game at a time” mentality despite being close to the final. Overall, Sohu remains neutral, acknowledging that U23 Vietnam is not an easy opponent but believes that psychologically, physically, and in terms of mutual familiarity, this is the “perfect” rival for U23 China to continue testing and refining the defensive style that has made them historic.