Vietnam’s under‑23 national team secured a dramatic 3‑2 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the Asian U‑23 Championship quarterfinals on January 17, 2026, at Prince Abdullah Al‑Faisal Stadium in Qatar. The win propels Vietnam into the tournament semifinals, highlighting the squad’s growing confidence and tactical adaptability on the continental stage.
Match Summary
The encounter began with Vietnam taking the lead early in the first half through captain Nguyễn Văn Tùng. UAE responded quickly with an equalizer from Ali Saeed. Just before halftime, forward Trần Văn Đạt converted a precise penalty to restore Vietnam’s advantage at 2‑1. The United Arab Emirates fought back, leveling the score at 2‑2 via a striking effort by Mohamed Al‑Mansoori.
Key Moments
- Minute 85: Central midfielder Trần Văn Đình received the ball inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, sealing the 3‑2 win for Vietnam.
- Strategic Substitutions: Coach Nguyễn Hữu Thắng introduced fresh attacking options in the second half, which proved decisive in breaking the deadlock.
- Defensive Resilience: Vietnam’s back line maintained composure under sustained pressure, limiting UAE to just two goals despite several dangerous attacks.
Impact and Future Outlook
The quarterfinal triumph carries several significant implications for Vietnamese football:
- Team Morale: Overcoming a tough opponent in a hostile environment boosts the squad’s confidence heading into the semifinals.
- Player Development: Young talents such as Trần Văn Đạt and Trần Văn Đình have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, strengthening the pipeline to the senior national team.
- Tactical Validation: The effective use of set‑pieces and timely substitutions validates the coaching staff’s strategic approach.
- Continental Reputation: Advancing to the semifinals enhances Vietnam’s standing in Asian youth football and improves its FIFA U‑23 ranking.
Conclusion
Vietnam U23’s 3‑2 victory over UAE not only advances the team to the Asian U‑23 Championship semifinals but also signals a rising generation of skilled, resilient players ready to compete at higher levels. As the squad prepares for the next round, the focus will remain on maintaining tactical discipline and capitalizing on the momentum generated by this hard‑fought win.
