Top News

China proved too strong for Vietnam on Wednesday night, securing a comprehensive 3-0 victory in the semifinals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup to book a final showdown with Japan.

The match turned decisively against Vietnam after they lost defensive linchpin Nguyen Hieu Minh to a knee injury in the 30th minute. Stretchered off in tears following a heavy collision, Hieu Minh’s exit disrupted Vietnam’s back line, allowing China to steadily tighten their grip on the game.

The first half ended goalless, but China had already begun to dominate possession and territory, repeatedly sending crosses into the Vietnamese penalty area. Vietnam, meanwhile, threatened sporadically through set pieces, with captain Khuat Van Khang forcing an excellent save from goalkeeper Li Hao with a free kick in the 24th minute.

China broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half. From a corner kick in the 48th minute, Peng Xiao rose highest to head home, giving the East Asian side a deserved lead. Vietnam’s defensive frailties were exposed again in the 52nd minute, when Xiang Yuwang was afforded space outside the box and curled a precise shot into the far corner to make it 2-0.

Chasing the game, coach Kim Sang-sik threw on attacking reinforcements, eventually fielding four forwards. However, Vietnam’s hopes were further dented in the 74th minute when defender Pham Ly Duc was shown a straight red card for striking Behram Abduweli, leaving his side with 10 men.

Despite Vietnam’s continued efforts and a late header by Nguyen Thanh Nhan that forced another fine save from Li Hao, China remained composed. In stoppage time, they sealed the result on the counterattack, with Wang Yudong tapping in the third goal in the 90th+8 minute.

China will now face Japan in the final, while Vietnam will meet South Korea in the third-place playoff.