The confrontation with U23 UAE in the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship is not only about deciding the winner and loser, but also a challenge for coach Kim Sang-sik's ability to read the match and arrange personnel.
Against a West Asian opponent with a clear advantage in physique and speed, the starting lineup of U23 Vietnam needs a balance between safety and breakthrough.
In the defense, the rotation ability is almost not high. Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien continues to be the number 1 choice thanks to his stability and solid playing mentality.
In front of him, the central defender trio Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh and Nguyen Nhat Minh created a relatively solid defensive system from the beginning of the tournament. The coordination in the cover and the ability to compete of this group of players is considered the foundation for U23 Vietnam to resist early pressure from U23 UAE.
The wing position is likely to witness the return of Pham Minh Phuc and Nguyen Phi Hoang. Just entering the field from the bench in the match against U23 Saudi Arabia before that helped both achieve a better physical condition, ready to take on the role of attacking and defending. Against opponents who often push the ball to the wing to cross early, the ability to defend the wing will be a key factor.
In the midfield area, Nguyen Thai Son still plays the pivotal role in the playing style. If Nguyen Xuan Bac's fitness is not guaranteed, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong is a reasonable replacement thanks to his ability to maintain position and play simply. The solidity in the midfield helps U23 Vietnam limit being drawn into the high tempo that UAE often creates in the first half.
The attack is where coach Kim Sang-sik can create surprises. After constantly changing the layout in the group stage, the possibility of Nguyen Dinh Bac being positioned as the starting lineup is quite high. The striker wearing jersey number 7 is suitable for a match that needs someone to keep the ball, reducing the opponent's attacking rhythm.
Combined with Nguyen Le Phat, U23 Vietnam has more options to build walls and organize quick counter-attacks. Khuat Van Khang continues to be a flexible link, can play as a attacking midfielder or drift to the sideline depending on the time.
Head-to-head history does not stand on U23 Vietnam's side when they have never beaten U23 UAE after 8 encounters. In the context that the opponent possesses many naturalized players with rich fitness and experience, choosing a reasonable squad from the beginning will play a decisive role, helping U23 Vietnam to create a surprise.
Expected lineup of U23 Vietnam: Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Pham Minh Phuc, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Le Phat, Khuat Van Khang.
