After closing the group stage of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship with a perfect record and first place in Group A, U23 Vietnam has identified a big advantage before the quarter-finals of avoiding U23 Japan - the championship contender and also the team considered the strongest in the tournament.
However, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team still have to wait to know the name that will face them in the knockout round, when the second place in Group B is a direct competition between U23 UAE and U23 Syria.
In terms of situation, U23 UAE is holding a greater advantage. The West Asian representative only needs a draw to complete the goal of going further. With a strong physical foundation, superior physique and a team of naturalized players, U23 UAE is likely to choose a safe playing style, prioritizing defense and waiting for counter-attack opportunities. This is also their familiar scenario in matches with high tactical calculation.
However, U23 UAE still has weaknesses that the opponent can exploit. This team's ability to take advantage of opportunities is not stable, the defense occasionally reveals gaps and is confused when being pressed continuously.
In the opposite direction, U23 Syria entered the match with the mindset of having nothing left to lose. However, they still had to play cautiously if they chose to push up the squad to look for an early goal.
A physically strong playing style, strong and direct pressing can help them create significant pressure, but also lead to great risks in the defense.
With U23 Vietnam, each opponent brings their own challenge. Winning the top spot in the group helps U23 Vietnam enter the quarter-finals with a more proactive mindset, ready for a match that requires both bravery and high tactical calculation.
