The Vietnam U-23 national team, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, once again proved it with results. Two straight wins in the group stage. The math looks complicated, but the trajectory is clear. Vietnam has already crossed the threshold into the quarterfinals.
Vietnam beat Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in the second match of Group A of the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup held March 10 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Korea time).
Following a 2-0 win in the first match against Jordan, it is two straight wins. With six points secured, Vietnam has effectively confirmed advancement as group winner after Saudi Arabia lost 2-3 to Jordan.
The keyword for this victory was "set piece." Both of Vietnam's goals came from set-piece situations. In the 19th minute of the first half, Nguyen Le Phat drew a penalty kick, and Khuat Van Khang, who stepped up to take it, calmly converted the opening goal.
It was a moment that highlighted Vietnam's prepared movement in reacting to the second ball and choosing position. By contrast, Kyrgyzstan destroyed itself with unnecessary contact.
With the lead, Vietnam wavered once near the end of the first half. In the 44th minute, a passing mistake during a build-up from the back led to Marlen of Kyrgyzstan connecting with a fantastic long-range shot to make it 1-1. A single mistake directly led to conceding a goal.
The second half was a tight duel. Both teams created chances but left much to be desired in finishing. As a draw looked increasingly likely, a set piece again changed the flow in the 42nd minute of the second half.
From a corner kick, a header by substitute Le Van Tuan hit the leg of defender Cristian and went into the net. The official record is an own goal. Luck favored Vietnam, but it was the result of maintaining concentration until the end.
That two consecutive matches were decided by set pieces is significant. Such scenes cannot be repeated without organization and preparation. In particular, in this tournament Vietnam is delivering results by emphasizing pragmatic game management and clear strengths.
Above all, what stands out is coach Kim Sang-sik's imprint. Instead of excessive possession or reckless forward play, he raised the quality of situational choices and set-piece execution. In shorter tournaments, such a "sure weapon" exerts great power.
/mcadoo@osem.co.kr
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