Attack and defense
The semi-final match between U23 Vietnam and U23 China can be seen as a big surprise at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals. The journey of U23 Vietnam to be in the top 4 strongest teams is described by 2 words impressive. Unlike the emotional streak of senior generation Quang Hai, Tien Dung, Cong Phuong 8 years ago, the current "Golden Star Warriors" coldly defeat all opponents blocking the way.
From Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia to the UAE, they all became losers against the ball control, fast and effective attacking style of U23 Vietnam.
Up to now, U23 Vietnam has scored 8 goals with different scenarios. That is the synthesis of the process of participating in many tournaments in 2025. Now, Dinh Bac and his teammates can implement flexible attacking options, from corner kicks, organizing coordination in 1/3 of the opponent's field to high balls... This promises to become a challenge for U23 China, a team specializing in defense in this year's tournament.
U23 China reached the AFC U23 Championship semi-finals for the first time thanks to a tightly organized defense, always bracing themselves against attacks from opponents. In which, they are owning "precious talent" Li Hao. The goalkeeper who signed a contract with Atletico Madrid has not conceded a goal in this year's tournament. Thanks to that, even when scoring only 1 goal after 4 matches, U23 China still entered the round of 4 strongest teams.
Advantage for U23 Vietnam
Heading towards the match against U23 China, U23 Vietnam has an advantage in terms of number of days off. The team also has 3 professional training sessions to prepare for the match. Notably, in the afternoon training session on January 18, "Golden Star Warriors" welcomed the return of striker Nguyen Dinh Bac.
Remember, before the quarter-final match with U23 UAE, Dinh Bac had a problem with his groin. This player admitted that he could not perform movements on his right foot and had to regularly use his left foot to move, hold, pass and shoot the ball in the quarter-final match. Fortunately, after efforts to support physical therapy from U23 Vietnam doctors, the striker born in 2004 has made positive progress. He can train with his teammates, participate in professional training or perform the opponent formation division.
In the opposite direction, U23 China suffered personnel losses. Main midfielder Yang Haoyu received 2 yellow cards before the semi-finals and was suspended when his team met U23 Vietnam. Yang Haoyu's absence is a significant loss for U23 China. This 19-year-old midfielder is an important factor in midfield, starting in all 4 matches from the beginning of the tournament and regularly coordinating with Li Zhenquan to control the pace of the match.
Coach Antonio Puche also admitted the disadvantage of the preparation process of U23 China before the semi-final when there are only 2 days to prepare for the semi-finals.
Besides, recent head-to-head records also do not favor U23 China. This team drew 1 and lost 1 against U23 Vietnam in 2025, despite organizing friendly tournaments right at home.
U23 China has gone a surprising journey at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. Reaching the semi-finals for the first time in history is also a feat for Li Hao and his teammates. However, against U23 Vietnam, which is full of enthusiasm and a versatile playing style, the opponent is also somewhat wary.
The match between U23 Vietnam and U23 China in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship takes place at 10:30 PM on January 20th.
