Korean fans are pessimistic, predicting U22 Vietnam will win against Korea.
Following their defeat to China in the second round of the 2025 Panda Cup, South Korean fans criticized their team and claimed that Vietnam U22 would win in the final round. With four teams tied on 3 points, the final match would decide the outcome.
South Korea's U22 team lost to host China in the second round of the 2025 Panda Cup, losing their top spot and making the tournament's situation unpredictable as all four teams now have 3 points. On social media, many South Korean fans expressed disappointment and even predicted that Vietnam's U22 team would defeat them in the final match.
Pessimism from the South Korean stands
The performance against China was described as lackluster by South Korean fans. Comments emphasized that the problem wasn't that the opponent played exceptionally well, but rather that the home team failed to demonstrate any clear attacking strategy.
Some fans even turned to supporting the Vietnam U22 team ahead of their crucial match against South Korea U22.
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Against China, coach Lee Min Sung's U22 South Korea team was criticized for lacking ideas and rhythm, while their opponents showed a clear game plan. This defeat not only cost them the top spot but also dampened the team's morale right before the final match.
Vietnam U22 still has a chance to win the championship.
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh's U22 Vietnam team lost 0-1 to U22 Uzbekistan after conceding a goal in the early minutes, but their subsequent reaction showed commendable effort. More importantly, the game remained completely open.
- After the second round, all four teams had 3 points.
- Vietnam U22 finished third, behind China (+1) and South Korea (+0) on goal difference, and ahead of Uzbekistan (-1).
Given this situation, a favorable result against U22 South Korea in the final match could change the rankings and provide a morale boost for the journey towards the SEA Games 33.
The final match was decisive.
Pressure is now mounting on the South Korean U22 team after they lost their rhythm and the confidence of their own fans. Conversely, the Vietnamese U22 team enters the final match with a proactive mindset: the opportunity is still within their reach if they maximize their advantage from goal difference.
With four teams tied on 3 points, any mistake can become a turning point. The final match is therefore not only a test of tactics, but also a test of character under immense pressure from the stands and the expectations of the fans.
