Coach Dinh Hong Vinh praises Panda Cup 2025, aiming for SEA Games 33
At a press conference in Chengdu on the afternoon of November 11, Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh assessed that the 2025 Panda Cup is highly competitive, bringing together China, Uzbekistan, and South Korea; mentioned the 3 draws in March and considered this a stepping stone for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
At a press conference in Chengdu on the afternoon of November 11, local time, Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh went straight to the point: Panda Cup 2025 is a highly competitive tournament and a necessary stepping stone for U22 Vietnam before two upcoming big goals - SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship Finals.
Press conference highlights: respect the tournament, respect the opponent
At the beginning, Mr. Dinh Hong Vinh, on behalf of the VFF and the Vietnam U22 team, thanked the Chinese Football Association (CFA) for their thoughtful welcome. Assessing the professional quality, he affirmed that the Panda Cup 2025 brings together the continent's top youth teams. Besides the Vietnam U22 team and host China, Uzbekistan and South Korea are all familiar opponents, having participated in the friendly tournament organized by the CFA in March 2025.
March 2025 milestone and progress trajectory
Recalling the previous friendly matches, the coach said that U22 Vietnam drew 1-1 with South Korea, 0-0 with Uzbekistan and 1-1 with China. According to him, this series of matches is an important material to help young players mature, creating a foundation for the team to win the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and win all the 2026 Asian U23 Qualifiers.
Key statistics
- March 2025 friendly results: South Korea 1-1, Uzbekistan 0-0, China 1-1.
- Achievements 2025: 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship; 100% win in 2026 Asian U23 Qualifiers.
Panda Cup 2025: a measure of strength and gameplay
From the above foundation, the goal at CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 is clearly defined: to consolidate the force and perfect the playing style. Rematching strong and familiar opponents creates a seamless test for the group of young players, helping the coaching staff review the quality of personnel and the level of adaptation before entering key tournaments.
Preparation in Sichuan: rhythm of life and warm-up
According to the plan, U22 Vietnam had their first training session in Sichuan on the afternoon of November 11. Before that, right after settling in their accommodation, the coaching staff only carried out muscle relaxation exercises in the hotel grounds to help the players recover after the long journey.
Rivalry Background: Update from Korea
According to related information, U23 Korea will not have number 1 central defender Kim Ji-soo in the 2025 Panda Cup friendly tournament. In the group of opponents of U22 Vietnam in the tournament, this is a detail that can affect the outcome of the matches.
Dual goals: SEA Games 33 and AFC U23 Championship 2026
Mr. Dinh Hong Vinh's message is consistent: Panda Cup 2025 is a launching pad for U22 Vietnam to enter two major campaigns. Facing familiar opponents will help the team maintain the pace of international competition, accumulate more experience, thereby getting closer to the required standards for SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship Finals.
In the context of a pivotal year with the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and positive results in the 2026 Asian U23 Qualifiers, returning to Chengdu to participate in the 2025 Panda Cup is meant to test stability. It is also an opportunity for the young team to continue to mature according to the trajectory set by the coaching staff.
