AFC U23 Asian Cup
Both sides advanced to the penultimate stage in contrasting ways - Vietnam impressing with four wins while China PR had to battle every step of the way to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik expects his side to continue their swashbuckling run as Vietnam seek to emerge champions for the first time.
“I’m extremely happy, honoured and excited to be able to compete for the title alongside Korea Republic, Japan and China PR,” said Kim.
“Looking back at our matches, from the game against Jordan through to the quarter-final against the UAE, our players faced many difficulties and tough moments against strong opponents. But each time they showed great fighting spirit and played intelligently. That is why we are where we are now."
“I’m extremely happy, honoured and excited to be able to compete for the title alongside Korea Republic, Japan and China PR,” said Kim.
“Looking back at our matches, from the game against Jordan through to the quarter-final against the UAE, our players faced many difficulties and tough moments against strong opponents. But each time they showed great fighting spirit and played intelligently. That is why we are where we are now."
“As always, the Vietnam team is stepping up to another new challenge in football. We expect another tough and difficult match, but we will fight calmly and bravely and we will do our utmost to achieve the goal we are aiming for.
“I expect China PR to be tough. They are in the semi-finals for the first time and will be highly motivated, with a strong defence led by goalkeeper Li Hao. However, we are fully prepared and will perform at our best.”
“I expect China PR to be tough. They are in the semi-finals for the first time and will be highly motivated, with a strong defence led by goalkeeper Li Hao. However, we are fully prepared and will perform at our best.”
#AFCU23 Saudi Arabia 2026 | Semi-Finals Preview
China PR are on a high after defeating 2018 champions Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals but head coach Antonio Puche has reminded his players to remain grounded.
“We’re very happy to be here. This is a fantastic experience for me, the team, and everyone involved,” said Puche. “Our approach has always been to take it game by game. Reaching the semi-final is a big dream for us and we will give our best to reach the final."
“We’re very happy to be here. This is a fantastic experience for me, the team, and everyone involved,” said Puche. “Our approach has always been to take it game by game. Reaching the semi-final is a big dream for us and we will give our best to reach the final."
“We know Vietnam well, having played them two or three times before. They are very well organised, are hard to break down and have an extraordinary offensive transition. Tomorrow will certainly be a very difficult game but my players are aware and ready for the challenge.”
Trivia
● This will be the first game between Vietnam and China PR in AFC U23 Asian Cup history; China PR are unbeaten in each of the last three times they have faced an opponent for the first time (W2 D1) while Vietnam have won each of their last two matches when facing a new opponent.
● China PR have played three goalless draws at the ongoing edition, the outright most such games played by any team in a single edition of the competition; they have kept a clean sheet in all their four games in this campaign, after having kept just one clean sheet in 15 prior ties in the competition.
● Vietnam have won each of their four games at the ongoing edition, as many wins as they had managed in their previous five participations in the competition combined; Vietnam have also scored eight goals in this edition, tying their competition best tally from 2018 when they finished as tournament runners-up.
● China PR’s Li Hao has made 24 saves, the most by any goalkeeper in any of the last four editions of the competition; among goalkeepers to have faced more than five shots on target in any edition in this span, he is the only one to maintain a 100% save rate.
● Only China PR’s Peng Xiao (23) has made more headed clearances than Vietnam’s duo of Nguyen Hieu Minh (20) and Pham Ly Duc (18); indeed, they are the only teammate duo to notch 15+ aerial clearances in any of the last four editions of the competitions.
Vietnam v China PR
Venue: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:30 (UTC+3)
Venue: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:30 (UTC+3)
Related News
- AFC U23 Asian Cup
Vietnam’s Tran, China PR’s Liu relishing showdown
- AFC U23 Asian Cup
Preview - S-final: Japan v Korea Republic
- AFC U23 Asian Cup
Traditional rivalry fuels Japan’s Sato, Korea Republic’s Lee
- AFC Asian Cup
Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights
- Domestic Leagues
ASEAN Wrap: Buriram blitz; Perfect Sailors
Item 1 of 5