Starting lineup of U23 Vietnam: A surprising forward line

Compared to the lineup that won against U23 UAE in the quarterfinals, Coach Kim Sang-sik made one adjustment in the starting XI. Specifically, striker Công Phương replaces Viktor Lê to start, joining Lê Phát and Ngọc Mỹ to form a potent three-pronged attack upfront.

Notably, this is the first time in the tournament that Coach Kim Sang-sik has fielded two very young wingers together: Công Phương (20 years old) and Lê Phát (19 years old). In the previous two matches, he alternated one of these players alongside Ngọc Mỹ and Viktor Lê.

At the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, Korean coach Kim Sang-sik continues to demonstrate his flexible, effective, and surprising approach to player selection. Since the start of the tournament, U23 Vietnam has constantly rotated its starting lineup, maintaining only a stable core to ensure balance in play style and stamina.

In this semifinal match, Coach Kim makes further personnel changes to surprise U23 China, a team boasting the best defense in the tournament.

A highlight is the change in U23 Vietnam’s attack. Top scorer Đình Bắc remains absent from the starting lineup. The forward from Hanoi Police Club has been effective as a substitute in the last three matches and will wait for his chance to enter when Coach Kim Sang-sik needs a breakthrough.

Ngọc Mỹ takes the highest attacking position replacing Đình Bắc. Flanking him are Lê Phát and Công Phương. Both Lê Phát and Công Phương operate widely, with skillful dribbling and quick instincts to seize scoring opportunities.

U23 Vietnam’s defense and midfield continue to show solidity. Coach Kim Sang-sik places his trust in goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên. The central defensive trio of Nguyễn Hiểu Minh, Nguyễn Nhật Minh, and Phạm Lý Đức remains stable since SEA Games 33 and is improving with each match.

On the left flank, Văn Khang remains a safe choice. The U23 Vietnam captain balances well between attack and defense. On the opposite wing, Minh Phúc is in excellent form, being the first-choice player for U23 Vietnam in that position.

The central midfield duo remains the familiar faces of Thái Sơn and Xuân Bắc. Thái Sơn is improving with every game, while Xuân Bắc continues to perform consistently since the beginning of the tournament.

U23 China has reached the semifinals for the first time with an extremely tough defensive style, having not conceded a single goal yet. Meanwhile, U23 Vietnam advanced with a courageous playing style, daring to attack stronger opponents to secure victories.

Coach Kim Sang-sik’s players are highly motivated after defeating a strong rival, U23 UAE, in the quarterfinals, securing their place in the semifinals. This excitement is understandable since it has been eight years since U23 Vietnam last reached the semifinals, back in Changzhou (China). With spirits high, Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are determined to reach the final of the tournament.