*This content was translated by AI.
Vietnam, which beat Korea, is full of festivals.
South Korea's U-23 national team, led by head coach Lee Min-sung, lost 6-7 in the penalty shootout after drawing the first and second half of Vietnam 2-2 in the third and fourth place match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation U-23 Asian Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the 24th (Korea time).
As a result, South Korea's U-23 national team suffered its first ever loss to Vietnam. Prior to this match, South Korea had an overwhelming advantage with six wins and three draws against Vietnam in the U-23. However, if it goes to the penalty shootout, the official record remains a draw.
South Korea, which had sought to win for the first time in six years since winning the 2020 Thailand tournament, lost helplessly to its archrival Japan in the semifinals of the tournament, and lost to Vietnam, which was considered a step lower, properly losing its pride.
Lee Min-sung was outscored 32:5 in the number of shots, but it was painful not to take advantage of the opportunity to score. In particular, it was regrettable that the Vietnamese player was sent off at the end of the second half and failed to score a goal in overtime despite gaining a numerical advantage.
On the other hand, Vietnam, led by head coach Kim Sang-sik, ranked third, the highest since the runner-up at the 2018 tournament under coach Park Hang-seo. While the Korean atmosphere was gloomy, Vietnam was overcome with joy that it defeated Korea.
Vietnam's VN Express reported the local heat through an article titled "Red flags and lights lit up the night."
According to reports, in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, large crowds took to the streets even in the early morning hours, shaking the Venus Red Flag and bursting the red flame, enjoying the joy. Shortly after the game, a female fan was also seen putting her hands together and shedding hot tears.
The media defined the victory as a "historic event" that went beyond mere third-place Mercury. "Bloody is a dramatic victory obtained after a penalty shootout," he said, shedding light on the fact that he shook off the sickening "holiday fever."
The Vietnamese daily "Tuoise" also made headlines, saying, "The jinx against Korea has finally been broken." It has given great significance to going beyond Korea, which has been a "giant wall."
Coach Kim Sang-sik also said, "Even though the players were very tired, they showed strong mental performance," adding, "I sincerely congratulate the players who held on to the end and won, and I am proud of them."
"Coach Kim said, "Dean Park scored a goal and was accidentally sent off in a somewhat excited atmosphere, so we were in a difficult situation, but we trusted the players."
"There were only 10 players, but I was confident that I could hold out enough," he said. "Today's game will be an opportunity for our players to grow and develop one step further."
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*This content was translated by AI.
