Commenting on the 2026 AFC U23 Championship semi-final match between U23 Vietnam and U23 China, former player Pham Thanh Luong said that coach Kim Sang-sik's team is likely to approach the match cautiously, similar to the way they performed in previous matches.
According to former player Pham Thanh Luong, in youth tournaments, teams all play with careful calculation, "knowing each other and knowing ourselves" at each point of the match. Careful entry will help U23 Vietnam maintain their initiative, while waiting for an opportunity to launch decisive blows.
Analyzing the key factor that could create a turning point in the match, the former midfielder of the Vietnamese national team emphasized: "U23 Vietnam possesses many powerful weapons, especially set pieces.
In addition, the tactical system under coach Kim Sang-sik with the organization of crowded defense in the home field helps the team always maintain safety, and at the same time opens up gaps behind the opponent's defense when they rise.
We have very fast wing players like Thanh Nhan, Dinh Bac, Khuat Van Khang or Quoc Viet, capable of exploiting space and creating difference" - former player Thanh Luong analyzed.
Assessing the opponent, this former midfielder believes that U23 China is also a team with a solid playing style, similar to U23 Vietnam. However, the point that can make a difference is that U23 Vietnam possesses many players with many qualities in attack, rich playing experience when they have conquered many seasons in the V.League, thereby being capable of shining in decisive moments.
Mentioning the factor that can make the coaching staff and fans "put all their faith in", the former midfielder of the Vietnamese national team said that Dinh Bac is considered an important support in the attack. This player is in good form in the Hanoi Police shirt, regularly playing in major arenas such as V.League, AFC Cup C2, SEA Games 33,... thereby accumulating a lot of valuable experience.
This is the basis for Dinh Bac's "card" to continue to shine, contributing to helping U23 Vietnam overcome U23 China and win a ticket to the final" - former midfielder Thanh Luong expected.
Predicting the outcome of the tense confrontation tonight, former midfielder Pham Thanh Luong said: "I believe that U23 Vietnam will resolve the match in 90 minutes and especially from set pieces.
The semi-final match between U23 Vietnam and U23 China will take place at 10:30 PM today (January 20). Viewers can watch the match through official TV channels and applications such as: VTV5, VTV Can Tho, VTVgo application, TV360 platform, FPT Play,...
