U.23 Vietnam will be stronger with the team's framework

Seasoned Force

During the October training session to prepare for the two matches against Nepal in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, coach Kim Sang-sik called up 8 players from the U.23 group, spread across all lines: goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, defender Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh, midfielder Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Phi Hoang, striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan and Nguyen Dinh Bac. This was not a random decision because Nepal was considered a much weaker opponent than Vietnam, so coach Kim Sang-sik had the opportunity to give the young faces a chance to compete. Depending on the development of each match, he could bring the U.23 players onto the field to hone their skills, and at the same time evaluate their adaptability when facing great pressure. This interwoven strategy clearly demonstrates the mindset of building a foundation for the future of the team, and carefully preparing for important goals ahead.

8 players join the national team, U.23 Vietnam opens opportunities for overseas Vietnamese strikers

U.23 Vietnam will be even stronger with the team's core - Photo 1.

Midfielder born in 2003 Nguyen Phi Hoang (right) wears the Vietnamese national team jersey for the first time

PHOTO: MINH TU

Looking more broadly, U.23 Vietnam currently possesses a fairly experienced squad. In addition to the group of players currently training under Mr. Kim to compete against Nepal on FIFA Days in October, many other names of U.23 have also played for the Vietnamese national team, such as Pham Ly Duc, Dinh Quang Kiet, and Nguyen Thai Son. Up to now, U.23 Vietnam has a full squad of national players. In addition, many U.23 Vietnam players have been playing regularly in the V-League. The above groups of players will contribute to forming a U.23 Vietnam team full of youth, depth, and experience. This is an ideal condition for coach Kim Sang-sik to aim for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand at the end of this year and the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship.

Commentator Vu Quang Huy commented: "Coach Kim Sang-sik's current approach is very practical. This approach was not only implemented now, but also during the FIFA Days gathering last September, when both the U.23 and the Vietnamese national team gathered together. At that time, the U.23 Vietnam team competed in the Asian qualifiers while many young players did not play for the U.23 team but were still transferred to the Vietnamese national team under the supervision of acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh. This time is similar. This is the right approach to increase the exposure for young players and is very logical for Mr. Kim. Coach Kim Sang-sik's goal is very clear, which is to focus on the U.23 team towards the SEA Games and the 2026 U.23 Asian Cup."

THE COMPETITOR DOESN'T STAND STABLE

U.23 Vietnam promises to be stronger, but the challenge for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team is not small, as their opponents will not stand still. At the 33rd SEA Games, U.23 Thailand wants to return to the top right at home, after 3 consecutive "empty-handed" tournaments. Meanwhile, U.23 Indonesia is focusing all its efforts on defending the SEA Games gold medal: suspending domestic tournaments and calling many naturalized players.

At the AFC U23 Championship, Vietnam U23 is in Group A with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan. In theory, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are considered to be second only to the number 1 seed Saudi Arabia in terms of strength. However, the continental arena always has many variables. In particular, Kyrgyzstan U23, participating in the AFC U23 Championship 2026, is considered a formidable team. In the qualifying round, the Central Asian representative surpassed the "big guy" of continental youth football - Uzbekistan, to continue with the top spot in the group. Therefore, the Vietnam U23 team will face many difficulties in the journey to compete for a ticket to the quarterfinals.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-viet-nam-se-manh-hon-nua-voi-bo-khung-doi-tuyen-185251005220125406.htm