Saudi Arabia’s loss to Jordan in the second round has added further tension to the group, leaving Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Jordan all in contention for the two quarter-final spots. As a result, qualification from Group A will only be decided after the final round of group matches on January 12.

Vietnam currently top the group with a three-point advantage over the chasing pack and hold their destiny in their own hands. Head coach Kim Sang-sik’s side need only avoid defeat in the final match to secure first place and a direct ticket to the quarter-finals.

Even a narrow one-goal loss to Saudi Arabia would still see Vietnam advance, thanks to a superior head-to-head or tie-breaking record. In addition, Vietnam would also qualify if Jordan fail to beat Kyrgyzstan in the group’s other decisive fixture.

Jordan, meanwhile, must defeat Kyrgyzstan and hope that Vietnam either hold Saudi Arabia to a draw or that Saudi Arabia win by a sufficiently large margin to alter the group’s goal difference dynamics.

Hosts Saudi Arabia find themselves under greater pressure than anticipated. The earlier defeat has left them without full control over their qualification prospects. To guarantee progression, the West Asian side must defeat Vietnam and rely on a favourable outcome in the parallel match.

Despite the pressure, Saudi Arabia remain a traditionally strong force at youth level, boasting physically robust and technically capable players, as well as valuable international experience. Home advantage is also expected to play a role, with strong crowd support and familiarity with local conditions. Historically, Saudi Arabia have often held the upper hand against Vietnam in youth competitions.

However, the current context suggests Vietnam are no longer clear underdogs. Their disciplined organisation, compact defensive structure and quick transitions have made them a difficult opponent throughout the tournament. Crucially, the absence of a must-win burden allows Vietnam greater tactical flexibility, including the option to prioritise defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities.

Psychologically, confidence has emerged as a key strength for Vietnam. Positive results earlier in the tournament have reinforced belief among the young squad when facing continental heavyweights. By contrast, Saudi Arabia must cope with mounting expectations from home supporters, forcing them to adopt an attacking approach and accept higher risks.

The encounter is therefore expected to be a tightly contested, tactically driven affair, pitting Vietnam’s measured control against Saudi Arabia’s urgent search for goals. Beyond determining qualification, the outcome will offer a clear reflection of both teams’ resilience and competitive maturity at this stage of the tournament.

Regardless of the final result, the January 12 showdown is widely regarded as one of the most compelling matches of the group stage, providing Vietnam with an opportunity to underline their progress, while Saudi Arabia are challenged to reaffirm their status under intense pressure.

U23 Asian Cup: Vietnam boost knockout prospects with 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan

VOV.VN - Vietnam claimed a 2-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan in the second match of Group A on January 9, strengthening their chance of advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup which is taking place in Saudi Arabia.