Football supporters across Southeast Asia have praised the spirit and achievement of the Vietnamese players after their phenomenal 2018 AFC U23 Championship final against Uzbekistan.

The snowy battle began at 3:00 pm on Saturday (Vietnam time) at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center in Changzhou, China.

Both sides drew 1-1 in 90 minutes before the Uzbeks scored the winner at the end of the second half of extra time to become the champions.

However, the Vietnamese players had inspired fans around Asia, especially Southeast Asia, with their tough performance from the group stage through to the semis before the final showdown, their first ever at Asian levels.

Vietnam U23s pose after the final game. Photo: Tuoi Tre

“They may not have won the AFCU23 Championship 2018 but Vietnam captures ASEAN’s hearts with their historic run in China. And they can be proud of their achievement because ASEAN sure are,” FOX SPORTS Asia said on their Facebook page.

Supporters across Southeast Asia took to the social media platform to express their love and admiration toward the Vietnamese players.

“Congratulations to Uzbekistan and never give up! Vietnam. With the runner-up position, you are still the real ASEAN fighter,” Kittipong Sunthornphat, a Facebook user from Thailand, said. “Respect from Thailand and see you in AFC Cup 2018.”

“Today I edited my profile picture to show that I’m so proud of Vietnam’s spirit,” Malaysian supporter Nurul Bainun Murshidi said after changing her profile photo as Vietnam’s national flag.

Murshidi asserted that she was proud of Vietnam as the team had made history for ASEAN.

“Vietnam, you lose this game but you won ASEAN hearts already. We know you gave 200 percent in this championship,” Nurfarhanim Zalani, another fan from Thailand, commented.

“In the hearts of millions you are the champion, U23 Vietnam. I’m from the Philippines but I’m really amazed by the heroic spirits that you have shown,” said Facebook user Alviola Freddie Alejado.

“This final taught me something about Vietnam. They know how to handle hard times, they know how to respect other people. Very good people!” Khurshidbek Muhammadroziqov, a supporter from Uzbekistan, remarked.

The AFC Under-23 Championship, held from January 9 to 27, is a biennial competition featuring 16 of Asia’s top teams in the age group.

Vietnam started the journey in China with a 1-2 loss to South Korea before stunning Australia 1-0 and drawing 0-0 against Syria.

The team beat Iraq in the quarterfinals following a 5-3 penalty shootout, and gained victory over Qatar in the semifinals in a 4-3 shootout.

Alongside the silver medal, the Vietnamese players also received the AFC fair-play award.

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