In the early hours of January 21, China U23 defeated Vietnam 3-0 to storm into the final. Before the match, Vietnamese media spread wild rumors to unsettle the Chinese team: claiming coach Antonio would be fired, Dalian Inbo GM Chen Dong would take over, and billionaire Guo Guangchang would offer a €10 million (RMB 81 million) bonus. They also suggested China feared defender Nguyen Xiaming more than striker Nguyen Tinh Bac.
The truth? All lies. Against China’s overwhelming offense, Vietnam had no answer. On the pitch, strength is everything; rumors are worthless.
