Indonesian Newspaper: 'U23 Vietnam is fully capable of replicating the 2018 Thường Châu miracle'

After a remarkable streak of regional victories, Indonesian press views U23 Vietnam as an emerging force in Southeast Asia, now facing a major test at the continental level.

Recently, Indonesian media reported and analyzed the outstanding journey of U23 Vietnam in 2025, considering it a crucial foundation for the young team to aim for higher goals in the Asian arena. Bola newspaper stated that the continuous dominance in the ASEAN region has enabled U23 Vietnam to enter a new phase of development with the mindset of a formidable contender.

Bola wrote: “The U23 Vietnam team swept through the ASEAN tournament and is now targeting the Asian stage. Their success in 2025 has built a solid base for them to maintain impressive performances at a higher level.”

According to this publication, two major titles including the AFF U23 Cup 2025 championship and the gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand have confirmed the top position of Vietnam’s youth football in Southeast Asia.

Indonesian media especially emphasized U23 Vietnam’s repeated victories over host teams in crucial matches. At the AFF U23 Cup 2025, coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad defeated U23 Indonesia right in Jakarta. Shortly after, they triumphed over U23 Thailand 3-2 in a dramatic SEA Games final. Bola believes these wins demonstrate U23 Vietnam’s superior resilience and competitive mentality.

The article also praised coach Kim Sang Sik, viewed as the perfect fit that the Vietnam Football Federation sought after a difficult transition period.

Bola commented: “In just about a year and a half, Kim Sang-sik has brought home three major trophies, a record comparable to the successful era of Park Hang-seo.” According to this assessment, the Korean strategist is gradually recreating the image of a disciplined and ambitious U23 Vietnam that made waves in 2018.

Looking towards the continent, the Indonesian press recalled U23 Vietnam’s feat of reaching the 2018 AFC U23 Championship final, where they narrowly lost to Uzbekistan after extra time. Bola remarked: “That is the benchmark the current generation under Kim Sang-sik can aim for, if they continue to maintain their current form and fighting spirit.”

In the 2026 AFC U23 Championship final round, U23 Vietnam is placed in Group A alongside host Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. Bola assesses this group as challenging but not beyond the capability of the Southeast Asian representative, especially since the team recently completed the qualifiers with a perfect winning record.

Concluding the article, Indonesian media stated that the series of successes in ASEAN not only represent titles but also provide a significant psychological boost for U23 Vietnam. “If they can surpass the group stage in Saudi Arabia, U23 Vietnam can definitely dream of replicating their Asian success from 2018”, Bola concluded.