Vietnam U22 coach plans to defeat Korea U22

All four teams at CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 are tied on points, and U22 Vietnam still has a chance to compete for the championship if they create a surprise against U22 Korea in the final round. After the narrow 0-1 defeat against U22 Uzbekistan, Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh immediately pointed out the areas that need to be adjusted, from the squad structure to the quality of handling in decisive situations.

Plan to confront U22 Korea: speed, fitness and organization

Evaluating the next opponent, Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said: “U22 Korea is a high-quality team, moving a lot and with good speed. We will analyze today's match, consider the physical condition of each player to make appropriate adjustments. The goal is to play more organized, maintain team distance and improve the quality of the final moves. At the same time, we will continue to create opportunities for players who need more playing time.”

From the coaching staff's statement, the tactical priorities were clearly identified:

• Better organization and keeping the formation: reduce the gaps between the lines to counter the speed and constant movement of U22 Korea.
• Improve final touches: increase the quality of your final touches to convert chances into more effective finishing.
• Adjust personnel according to physical condition: rotate forces to ensure exercise intensity, while continuing to give competition opportunities to players who need to accumulate time.

In the context of having to face a team with abundant physical strength and a high playing tempo, a balance between tactical safety and sharpness in the final situation is required. The management of the movement load, combined with a tight defensive structure in the home half, will determine the ability to withstand the speedy attacks from the opponent.

Lessons from the 0-1 loss to U22 Uzbekistan

Facing a team considered one of the strongest in the continent, U22 Vietnam conceded an early goal but still maintained tactical discipline. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized: “The early goal certainly affected the tactics, but the important thing is that the whole team did not get carried away by the opponent. The players maintained stability, persisted with their original intention and continued to look for opportunities to equalize. I am pleased that the team's spirit did not give up.”

From this match, two key points were drawn: control the state after conceding a goal and maintain the intensity of active defense in a compact formation. That is the foundation for entering the appointment with U22 Korea - where processing speed, ability to escape pressing and counter-attack will be constantly tested.

Spirit as the foundation, organization as the framework

The bright spot is the spirit. But to turn spirit into results, U22 Vietnam needs a tighter tactical framework: keeping the distance between the center-back and the defensive midfielder, supporting vertical cover and avoiding moments of lapses in concentration early in the game. When the links move in sync, the team can absorb pressure better and create a foundation for quality attacks.

Panda Cup 2025 situation and key match schedule

The tournament is open because “all 4 teams are equal on points”. The scenario is still wide open for U22 Vietnam: a positive result against U22 Korea can bring the team to compete for the championship.

• U22 Vietnam returned to the training ground on November 16.
• The final match against U22 Korea will take place at 2:30 p.m. (Vietnam time) on November 18.

From now until the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, every match is a test of the competition structure and personnel. The encounter with U22 Korea therefore has a double meaning: it is both a measure of ability against opponents with a physical foundation and speed, and an opportunity for the group of young players to gain experience in a high-intensity environment.