Before the AFC U23 semifinals against China, two Vietnamese tycoons pledged massive rewards: if the team won, each would grant VND 2 billion, totaling VND 4 billion (about 106,000 RMB). However, Vietnam fell 0-3 to China, leaving the promised bonuses unclaimed.
Vietnam was widely expected to beat China. The Vietnamese U23 team had won all four previous matches, scoring 8 goals, while China had 1 win, 3 draws, and only 1 goal. To motivate the squad, Duan Yuande, chairman of Gia Lai Hoang Anh Group, promised VND 2 billion for a semifinal win. Similarly, Chen Denge, chairman of Dai Quang Minh Group, pledged another VND 2 billion. In total, a victory could have netted the team VND 4 billion. Unfortunately, Vietnam suffered a heavy defeat, and the bonuses remained unclaimed.
Hope is not lost. Vietnam will face South Korea on January 23 at 23:00 in the bronze medal match. Local media reported that Duan Yuande reaffirmed he would honor the VND 2 billion reward if the team wins. Moreover, players from his club’s youth academy will receive an additional VND 200 million each.
Duan said: “I know the players are disappointed. This is meant to boost morale. I will honor the same amount promised in the semifinals and hope to support coach Kim Sang-jip and the team.”
Fans joked: “Vietnamese coach Kim Sang-jip has the hardest job! If they win, Koreans scold him; if they lose, Vietnamese scold him. No matter what, he’s stuck in the middle!”
