U22 Vietnam finalizes its squad, ready to compete with U22 China
Weather 17 degrees Celsius, training ground 5 minutes from home; the last 6 players have gathered. Bui Vi Hao returns, Le Viktor, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc practice recovery before the match at 6:35 pm on November 12.
U22 Vietnam is ready for the opening match of the 2025 Panda Cup against U22 China at 6:35 p.m. (Vietnam time) on November 12, 2025. Conditions in Sichuan are favorable: the temperature is about 17 degrees Celsius, the training ground is only 5 minutes away from the accommodation with standard grass. The last group of 6 players has fully assembled and had their fitness checked before the training session.
Vietnam U22 Force: Bui Vi Hao returns, V-League group practices recovery
The coaching staff and the entire team congratulated the return of striker Bui Vi Hao after a long period of injury treatment. Acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh expressed his hope that Vi Hao would soon regain his ball feel, get into the rhythm and achieve good form before the 33rd SEA Games campaign.
In the afternoon training session, Le Viktor, Nguyen Dinh Bac and Minh Phuc – the players who played a lot of time in yesterday’s V-League match – were given light training to recover. The remaining group strengthened their tactical pieces, practiced team coordination and quickly changed state for the opening match.
Tactical ideas through training
The amount of training focused on teamwork and quick transitions shows that U22 Vietnam prioritizes speed and organization when transitioning from defense to attack. With short training periods due to the V-League schedule, this approach helps the team optimize their coordination in small groups and shorten the time it takes to move the ball forward.
Against opponents with good physical foundations, fine-tuning transitions and positional discipline is key to controlling the turning points – the stage that often determines the quality of chances at the U22 level.
U22 China: physical opponent, modern playing style
Evaluating the U22 China team, coach Dinh Hong Vinh said that he and his colleagues had prepared carefully and noted the clear progress of the home team. Through three confrontations in international friendly tournaments organized by CFA, the U22 China team showed good physical strength, increasingly modern and progressive playing style.
Before the match, Chinese media also called on the home team to be cautious against U22 Vietnam - a signal that the opening match promises to be highly testy for both sides.
Notable statements
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized: “The coaching staff is very happy to see the whole team again in the important period leading up to SEA Games 33. This is the time when we need to focus and show the highest level of professionalism.” He also affirmed that the limited time is not too big an obstacle for the whole team.
Panda Cup 2025 timeline and goals
The match between U22 Vietnam and U22 China will take place at 6:35 p.m. (Vietnam time) on November 12, 2025. Panda Cup 2025 is considered an important milestone in the preparation process for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
Key Information
- The temperature in Sichuan is about 17 degrees Celsius; the grass on the training ground meets the standards.
- The training ground is about 5 minutes' drive from the accommodation.
- The final group of 6 players have gathered and been tested.
- Le Viktor, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Minh Phuc do light exercises to recover after playing a lot in the V-League.
- Bui Vi Hao returned to the team after a long time of injury treatment.
- Match time: 18:35 (Vietnam time) November 12, 2025.