On the 7th anniversary of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2018 final, FIFA has paid tribute to the unforgettable performance of Vietnam's U23 team in Changzhou, China - a moment etched in the hearts of football fans around the world.

A heroic journey through the snow

On January 27, 2018, U23 Vietnam faced U23 Uzbekistan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup final under heavy snowfall in Changzhou. Despite a heartbreaking 1-2 loss after 120 minutes of intense play, the Vietnamese team led by coach Park Hang Seo emerged as champions in the hearts of fans.

To commemorate the anniversary, FIFA World Cup’s official page posted: “When someone mentions Changzhou…” alongside images of the "Golden Star Warriors" in the final.

Among the highlights were the iconic moment of Quang Hai celebrating his stunning “Snow Rainbow” free kick, which leveled the match 1-1, and defender Do Duy Manh planting the Vietnamese flag in the snow - a powerful symbol of national pride.

Moments that touched millions

In the comments section, FIFA shared more images of the team embracing after Quang Hai’s remarkable goal, widely regarded as the tournament's most memorable moment, writing: “Seven years since this moment.”

The post brought back memories of the now-famous poem by journalist Ha Quang Minh, which resonated deeply with fans:

"When someone mentions Changzhou one day,
That day, snow whitened our hair.
A dozen warriors charged against the storm,
Winning eternal admiration forevermore."

Quang Hai, Bui Tien Dung, and their teammates created a historic sensation, returning home to a hero’s welcome from millions of Vietnamese fans.

The team’s extraordinary run in the tournament also left a strong impression on international media, cementing their place in the annals of Asian football history.

Thien Binh