Vietnam U22 sets clear goals at Panda Cup 2025
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh considers the Panda Cup a crucial test: the U22 Vietnam team prioritizes training and tactical adjustments; six players have just joined the team, with the goal of preparing for the SEA Games 33.
Ahead of the CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025, interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh affirmed that the Vietnam U22 team will prioritize training, gaining experience, and refining tactics rather than chasing results in each match. This is considered a necessary test for the journey towards the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian Championship 2026.
Goals at CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025
Speaking at a press conference on November 11th, coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized that the Panda Cup is an opportunity for the Vietnam U22 team to test themselves against three strong opponents in the Asian region: China U22, South Korea U22, and Uzbekistan U22. The team's main goal is to maintain a cohesive and proactive playing spirit, assess their capabilities, and hone their mental fortitude for official tournaments.
- The priority is to train the team and accumulate experience in international competitions.
- Adjust and refine tactics based on the existing personnel.
- Maintain a proactive and disciplined attitude in every match.
A springboard from a series of draws at the beginning of the year.
Recalling the international friendly tournament organized by the CFA earlier this year, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said that the Vietnam U22 team drew 1-1 with South Korea U22, 0-0 with Uzbekistan U22, and 1-1 with China U22. He considered it an important experience that helped the players mature, contributing to the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship title and the perfect record in the 2026 Asian U23 Championship qualifiers.
| Competitor | Score |
|---|---|
| U22 South Korea | Vietnam U22 1-1 South Korea U22 |
| U22 Uzbekistan | Vietnam U22 0-0 Uzbekistan U22 |
| China U22 | Vietnam U22 1-1 China U22 |
According to coach Dinh Hong Vinh, that series of matches is a foundation for the team's continued development, and also a benchmark for comparison in the upcoming rematch at the Panda Cup 2025.
The squad is being rushed due to the V.League 2025/26 schedule.
Regarding the preparation process, the Vietnam U22 team faced difficulties because many players were still busy playing for their clubs in the V.League 2025/26. The team only had a full squad on the afternoon of November 11th when 6 players returned to join the training camp after completing their club duties.
Nevertheless, coach Dinh Hong Vinh affirmed that the plan has been maintained throughout since the end of 2024, ensuring that the personnel structure and training volume have not been interrupted. The goal is to help players integrate quickly, stabilize their physical condition and rhythm before entering the test matches.
Long-term impact: towards the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 U23 Asian Championship.
The coaching staff focuses on testing the players' mental fortitude in each match, rather than just focusing on the score. The Panda Cup 2025 is an opportunity to assess the adaptability of different groups of players, thereby refining the personnel plan for major goals.
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized the message: the entire team will play with the highest determination, treating each match as a test of ability, honing their mentality, and aiming for peak performance when entering the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian Championship 2026.
Significance for the Vietnam U22 team
- High-quality opponents help to assess the progress of young players.
- The pace of international competition helps in the process of refining tactics.
- Prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming official competitions.
With four historically significant teams participating, the CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 is seen as an important test, perfectly suited to the training goals of the Vietnam U22 team during this crucial period before key tournaments.