Former International Xu Liang: Vietnam Are Not as Strong as Uzbekistan — Another 0-0 and Penalty Shootout Could Send China to the Final

As China’s U23 national team prepares to face Vietnam in the AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinals, former international Xu Liang has expressed strong confidence in China’s chances. In his view, Vietnam’s overall strength is inferior to Uzbekistan’s, making China’s path to the final very much achievable.

In the quarterfinals, China U23 held Uzbekistan to a 0-0 draw and advanced through a tense penalty shootout, reaching the semifinals of the U23 Asian Cup for the first time in history. Vietnam, meanwhile, edged past the UAE 3-2 in a dramatic encounter.

Analyzing the upcoming clash, Xu Liang noted: “Uzbekistan actually created a lot of chances. China didn’t concede, and luck played a part. But ask yourself this — will Vietnam get that many opportunities? I don’t think so. Watch the game and see whether I’m right.”

Having closely followed Vietnam’s matches, Xu Liang believes the semifinal will be far more cautious. “At this stage, Vietnam won’t dare to go all-out attack and ignore defense. They’re also afraid of being caught out by China. So the possibility of a 0-0 draw might even be higher than in the previous match.”

Looking ahead, Xu Liang concluded with a clear comparison: “Vietnam simply don’t have the same level of ability as Uzbekistan. For China, playing Vietnam will be easier than playing Uzbekistan. If China defend well, Vietnam will find it harder to break them down, and their scoring chances will definitely be fewer.”

According to Xu Liang, if China maintain their defensive discipline, another scoreless draw followed by penalties could once again open the door to the final.