Vietnam’s U23 football team is no longer being framed as a surprise outsider. Across Asia, major sports outlets are now openly acknowledging that Vietnam U23 has a real chance to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup trophy.
What began as cautious praise from the Asian Football Confederation has turned into a broader consensus. After two matchdays, regional media are revising earlier skepticism and backing Vietnam as a serious championship contender.
From polite praise to firm belief
South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo wrote that head coach Kim Sang Sik and his players had proven the AFC’s assessment was correct. Notably, the paper waited until other traditional powerhouses had played before reaching that conclusion.
The outlet highlighted that although Vietnam entered Group A as the lowest ranked team on paper, based on FIFA rankings, their performances show they can compete not just for qualification but for the title itself.
Rivals stumble as Vietnam impresses
Vietnam’s rise has been amplified by the underwhelming displays of several established teams. Qatar lost 0 to 2 against the UAE. Uzbekistan narrowly edged Lebanon 3 to 2. South Korea and Iran played out a goalless draw. Hosts Saudi Arabia, despite home advantage, needed a late effort to scrape past Kyrgyzstan.
Against that backdrop, Vietnam’s disciplined, confident showing, especially their convincing win over Jordan, stood out.
AFC backing looks increasingly accurate
Before the tournament, the AFC identified Japan as the defending champion and clear favorite, but named Vietnam as one of the few teams capable of challenging them. The federation repeated that assessment in both its team profile and tournament preview, even describing Vietnam as having an “almost perfect defense.”
At the time, some media outlets dismissed those comments as diplomatic courtesy. Chinese platforms such as QQ and Sina expressed surprise at the AFC’s optimism.
That tone has since shifted. China’s 163 portal now says Vietnam’s place in the knockout stage is effectively secured and that finishing top of the group is a realistic goal.
Strategic edge in the group race
Indonesia’s Bola newspaper has also weighed in, noting that Vietnam may hold an advantage over Saudi Arabia in the race for first place in Group A. Finishing top is crucial, as second place would likely mean an early quarterfinal clash with Japan.
For international readers, the story signals a broader shift in Asian football. Vietnam is no longer a feel good underdog. It is becoming a program that commands respect, built on tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and growing confidence on the continental stage.
As the tournament progresses, the question is no longer whether Vietnam U23 belongs among Asia’s elite, but whether this could be the year they go all the way.
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Source: Vietnam Insider