U23 Vietnam - U23 Saudi Arabia match is considered an early final

U23 Vietnam entered the match with a great advantage when they had 6 absolute points after two matches, thereby temporarily leading Group A. Meanwhile, U23 Saudi Arabia was pushed into a position to win if they wanted to decide their own ability to advance, while avoiding dependence on the result of the remaining match.

With a 3-point gap compared to U23 Saudi Arabia and U23 Jordan, coach Kim Sang-sik's team only needs to not lose with a gap of 4 goals or more, and avoid a 0-3 defeat, to be sure of a place in the quarterfinals.

In that context, the host country's media described this clash as an "early final" of the group. Some opinions suggest that U23 Saudi Arabia is facing a real challenge when facing a high-performing opponent.

U23 Saudi Arabia will close the group stage with an extremely difficult match against U23 Vietnam. U23 Saudi Arabia must aim for victory. That requires the whole team to focus as much as possible and prepare carefully for the biggest challenge since the beginning of the tournament," an analysis article stated clearly.

In addition, the stable performance of U23 Vietnam is also highly appreciated. “U23 Vietnam is maintaining a perfect record when defeating U23 Jordan and U23 Kyrgyzstan. They are leading the group with 6 points. The match between U23 Saudi Arabia and U23 Vietnam is no different from a real final. Coach Di Biagio's team will face heavy pressure,” Saudi Arabian media assessed.

In the past, U23 Saudi Arabia twice won against U23 Vietnam, in the 2022 AFC U23 Championship finals and Asiad 2023. However, at the present time, the U23 Vietnam team is showing confidence, cohesion and high determination, ready to aim for positive results right on the home team's field, thereby closing the group stage in a convincing way.

The match between U23 Vietnam and U23 Saudi Arabia will take place at 11:30 pm tonight (January 12).