U23 Vietnam will close the journey of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship by competing for 3rd place against U23 Korea. Although there is no longer a chance to enter the final, this confrontation is still meaningful, especially in looking back at the ability, bravery and adaptability of the young players under Mr. Kim Sang-sik.
Before stopping, U23 Vietnam once made a strong impression when winning all matches in the group stage and passing the quarter-finals with a disciplined, energetic playing style. However, the 0-3 defeat to U23 China showed certain limitations, especially when the team had to face opponents with superior physical foundation and game control ability.
Overall, U23 Korea is rated higher thanks to their physique, fitness and squad depth. However, the kimchi team has not shown stability.
After 5 matches, they only scored 6 goals and also conceded 6 times, reflecting that their attacking efficiency is not really convincing and their ability to take advantage of opportunities is still limited.
In the context of the absence of two important central defenders, Hieu Minh and Ly Duc, U23 Vietnam is likely to prioritize safety in the defense, and at the same time strengthen defense support from the midfield.
In the attacking front, the mobility of Dinh Bac, Le Phat and the ability to regulate the pace of the match in the midfield will be the fulcrum for the team to seek counter-attack opportunities.
In fact, entering the top 4 is already a success beyond expectations for U23 Vietnam. Therefore, a dedicated, fair and fighting spirit performance in the third-place match is enough to satisfy fans.
In 4 meetings in official tournaments, U23 Vietnam has never won against U23 Korea, even losing 3 matches. This statistic brings a significant psychological advantage to the opponent.
However, the 3rd place match is not settled. In the context of being underestimated, U23 Vietnam has even more reason to play with the spirit of having nothing left to lose.
With a tight match and caution from both sides, the match is likely to end in a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes and two extra periods. U23 Vietnam may win on penalties.
Score prediction: U23 Vietnam 1-1 U23 Korea (U23 Vietnam wins penalty shootout)
