SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Vietnam's bid to replicate its historic 2018 run under South Korean leadership ended in the semi-finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup on Wednesday, following a 3-0 defeat to China.
The loss at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City denies head coach Kim Sang-sik a shot at the title in his first major tournament. Kim had been tasked with reviving a program defined by his compatriot and predecessor, Park Hang-seo, widely revered as a national hero in Vietnam for launching a golden era of football success.
Eight years after Park guided Vietnam to a shock runner-up finish, the 2026 squad held firm through a goalless first half but collapsed after the break. Vietnam conceded three times in the second half and finished with 10 men following a red card.
Despite the exit, the semi-final appearance marks a stabilization for the team following the tenure of Philippe Troussier. Kim's appointment was seen as a move to restore the discipline and organization that became the team's identity under Park.
Vietnam will now conclude its campaign with a commercially and emotionally significant third-place playoff against South Korea on Saturday.
China advances to face Japan in the final on January 25. Japan is chasing a second consecutive and third overall title, while China is bidding for its first trophy at this level.
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