Vietnam vs South Korea 2-2: AFC U23 Cup Thriller Heads to Extra Time
The bronze medal match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 saw Vietnam U23 face off against South Korea U23 on January 23, 2026. This thrilling encounter took place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following both teams’ heartbreaking defeats in the semi-finals. Vietnam aimed to improve on their runners-up finish from 2018, while South Korea sought to add another title to their collection, having previously won four championships.
Thrilling Match Summary: Vietnam vs South Korea 2-2
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, concluding with a draw at 2-2, leading to extra time. Vietnam initially took the lead, demonstrating resilience despite being reduced to ten men.
Key Match Events
- 30th Minute: Vietnam scored through Nguyen Quoc Viet with a powerful strike.
- 71st Minute: South Korea equalized via Tae-won after a defensive lapse from Vietnam.
- 86th Minute: Vietnam’s captain, Dinh Bac, received a red card, leaving his team with ten players.
- 90+7th Minute: Min-Ha scored for South Korea with a strong finish to tie the game at 2-2.
Extra Time Performance
The first half of extra time saw Vietnam play defensively, attempting to maintain the tie against a dominant South Korean team. The tactical approach aimed to hold for penalties, showcasing Vietnam’s determination to secure a medal.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Vietnam | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 1 (Dinh Bac) | 0 |
Previous Encounters
Historically, Vietnam and South Korea have competed at the U23 level five times, with South Korea winning four matches and one ending in a draw. The last meeting before this match was a friendly in 2022, which concluded 1-1.
Looking Ahead
The thrilling performance from both teams kept fans on the edge of their seats. As the contest now heads to penalties, the outcome remains uncertain, and both squads aim for glory in this crucial match.
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