Having taken a look at the 2013 and 2016 editions, we shift out focus to the 2018 that was played under challenging conditions in China PR.

White Wolves triumph in the snow

From the warmth of the Gulf to the freezing conditions of the Chinese winter, the third edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup was the first to be held in East Asia but it would be a disappointing one for hosts China PR as they crashed out in the group stage after finishing behind Qatar and Uzbekistan.
The White Wolves of Uzbekistan went on to stun Japan and Korea Republic as 4-0 and 4-1 wins over the East Asians in the knockout rounds sealed a place in the final with the likes of Javokhir Sidikov, Dostonbek Khamdamov and Azizjon Ganiev in fine form.

A new generation of Vietnamese stars – inspired by Nguyen Quang Hai – were rising to prominence, meanwhile, as they eliminated Australia, Iraq and Qatar in a magnificent run to the final that saw tens of thousands of fans take to the streets in celebration across the Southeast Asian country.

More accustomed to the snowy conditions in Changzhou, Uzbekistan went in front in the final through Rustam Ashumatov’s early header. But Quang Hai’s ‘Rainbow in the Snow’ free-kick reignited the Vietnamese flame as the sides went in level before, with the game just seconds from penalties, Andrey Sidorov volleyed home from close range to claim glory for the Central Asians.

The Stars

With so many goals of the highest quality, Quang Hai could create his own highlight reel from 2018, but it was the consistent performances of Odiljon Xamrobekov in the heart of the Uzbek midfield that saw him named the tournament’s MVP.
Elsewhere, Almoez Ali finished as top scorer with six goals as he gave a glimpse of what was to follow a year later when he fired Qatar to AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 glory, while Safawi Rasid starred as debutants Malaysia made the knockout rounds at the first time of asking.

Standout Match

After beating Iraq on penalties following a 3-3 draw in the quarter-finals, Vietnam provided yet more drama in the semi-finals against Qatar. A goal down to Afif’s opener from the spot, Quang Hai then stole the show, rocketing against the bar after the interval before levelling midway through the half.
Ali bundled home three minutes from time to seemingly put Qatar on their way to the final, only for Quang Hai to score a goal of the tournament contender as the game ultimately went to penalties.

Incredibly, it was Quang Hai who missed Vietnam’s opening kick, but his teammates spared his blushes by scoring the ensuing four as Park Hang-seo’s side advanced.