FIFA praises Vietnam U23: 'Fly like Trung Kiên, shoot like Đình Bắc'

On its official homepage, the AFC called Vietnam U23’s win over Saudi Arabia a “historic victory,” emphasizing the red-shirted team’s proud advancement to the quarterfinals as group A leaders with a flawless record of three wins. AFC wrote: Vietnam U23 enters the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship in perfect form. The chants of ‘Vietnam, Vietnam’ will echo in the memories of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, FIFA praised the performance of the duo Trần Trung Kiên and Nguyễn Đình Bắc with a vivid phrase: “Fly like Trung Kiên, shoot like Đình Bắc.”

According to FIFA, goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên was the key pillar that helped Vietnam U23 withstand intense pressure as Saudi Arabia U23 unleashed 18 shots, including 7 on target. Meanwhile, Nguyễn Đình Bắc’s goal — who came on as a substitute — was described by FIFA as “a pinnacle moment of courage and efficiency” in a tactically rich match.

Thailand’s Siamsport described Đình Bắc’s goal as the decisive turning point of the match. Siamsport wrote: “Đình Bắc outpaced the Saudi defender and calmly finished with a diagonal shot, securing the 1-0 win. Vietnam U23 earned a full 9 points, topped Group A, and eliminated the host team.”
The newspaper added that the victory reflected not only individual brilliance but also the resilience and depth of Vietnam U23’s squad under coach Kim Sang Sik.

Similarly, Thailand’s Think Curve highlighted: “Vietnam U23 became the first Southeast Asian U23 team to win all three group matches at an AFC U23 Championship, advancing to the quarterfinals as group leaders.”

China’s Sohu devoted extensive analysis to Vietnam U23’s defensive system. Sohu noted: “Saudi Arabia had 18 shots, 7 on target, but failed to score. Vietnam’s defense kept a clean sheet and directly eliminated the host from the tournament.”

Sharing this view, South Korea’s Top Star News praised Vietnam U23’s disciplined play and confidence, stating the red-shirted team “is no longer an unknown but has become a well-structured and tactically distinct unit at the Asian level.”

In West Asia, where Saudi Arabia U23 was highly anticipated, media outlets had to admit defeat respectfully. Kooora wrote: “Saudi Arabia U23’s journey in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship ended after a 0-1 loss to Vietnam U23.”

Arriyadiyah, Eremnews, and Slaati all agreed that Saudi Arabia dominated possession but could not break through Vietnam’s defense, while Đình Bắc’s lone goal in the 64th minute decided the fate of the hosts.

With a perfect group stage record, topping Group A and eliminating the hosts Saudi Arabia, Vietnam U23 not only secured a quarterfinal spot but also firmly established the rising status of Vietnamese youth football on the Asian map, as recognized by the AFC and FIFA.

In the quarterfinals, coach Kim Sang Sik’s team will face the runner-up of Group B (either UAE or Syria). Based on their performance so far, Vietnam U23 enters the knockout stage not only with confidence but also with the respect of the entire continent.