Thai media reacts as 'Vietnam's Yamal' brings Thanh Hoa fermented pork roll to the AFC U23 Championship finals

What seemed like an ordinary story about the Vietnam U23 team unexpectedly became a hot topic in regional media.

The revelation by young striker Le Van Thuan that he would bring fermented pork roll to Qatar to maintain his nutrition prompted an interesting reaction from the Thai press, who viewed it as a distinctive cultural trait and a serious preparation step by Vietnamese football ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

According to several Thai sports newspapers, Le Van Thuan — nicknamed "Yamal from Thanh" — demonstrated the Vietnam U23 team’s meticulous approach to adapting to the Middle Eastern environment, where even small details like diet are carefully planned to ensure the best physical condition for the young players.

Thai media showed special interest in the psychological and daily life aspects of the Vietnam U23 squad. They believe that bringing familiar food like fermented pork roll not only guarantees nutrition but also provides comfort, easing the pressure of training far from home for a long time. Siam Sport even quoted the phrase 'The whole team marches on their stomachs' to highlight the thorough preparation of Vietnam’s U23 team for this tournament.

Some Thai football specialist sites commented that such careful preparation reflects Vietnam’s increasingly professional football mindset, especially at youth levels. Given the highly competitive nature of the AFC U23 Championship, featuring strong teams like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, every minor detail can impact the overall outcome.

Having many players who won the gold medal at SEA Games 33, combined with the leadership of coach Kim Sang-sik, is seen as a strong foundation for the red-shirted team to confidently pursue a deep run in the tournament. They believe that team spirit and comfort in daily life help the young Vietnamese players often exceed expectations on the field.

According to the plan, Vietnam U23 will train in Qatar for a week, play a friendly match before heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals. They are placed in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan, with the opening match against Jordan on January 6, 2026, considered a crucial turning point.