Tue Jan 20 16:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: U23 Việt Nam Suffers Defeat Against China in U23 Asian Cup Semifinal

The Story

U23 Việt Nam’s impressive run in the 2026 U23 Asian Cup came to an end with a loss to China in the semifinal. Despite a strong showing earlier in the tournament, including victories against formidable opponents like Jordan and Saudi Arabia, Việt Nam succumbed to China’s resilient defense. The second half proved decisive, with Việt Nam conceding goals and ultimately being reduced to 10 men after a red card, hindering their comeback efforts.

The match saw moments of controversy, including a disallowed goal for China due to offside and a disputed red card decision against a Vietnamese defender. While Việt Nam pushed for a late equalizer, their efforts were thwarted by the Chinese goalkeeper and a lack of clinical finishing.

Key Points

  • The match was a semifinal of the U23 Asian Cup 2026.
  • U23 Việt Nam lost to U23 China.
  • Lý Đức received a red card, reducing Việt Nam to 10 players.
  • A goal by China was disallowed due to offside.
  • Việt Nam had opportunities to score, including a header by Thanh Nhàn saved by the goalkeeper and a shot by Đình Bắc that lacked power.
  • Việt Nam’s coach, Kim Sang-sik, made tactical changes, including substituting a defender for an attacker.
  • Việt Nam had a strong showing in the tournament leading up to the semifinal, with wins against Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.

Key Takeaways

  • Despite a strong tournament performance, Việt Nam failed to overcome China’s defensive setup in the semifinal.
  • Discipline proved costly, with a red card significantly impacting Việt Nam’s ability to mount a comeback.
  • Goalkeeping and finishing were crucial factors, with China’s goalkeeper making key saves and Việt Nam missing critical chances.
  • Tactical decisions, such as substituting a defender for an attacker, reflected a desperate attempt to change the game’s momentum but ultimately left the defense vulnerable.
  • China’s defensive strategy, which had been consistent throughout the tournament, proved effective against Việt Nam’s attacking efforts.

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