U22 Uzbekistan lost 0-2 to South Korea in Panda Cup 2025
U22 Uzbekistan kept a clean sheet in the first half but lost 0-2: Jung Seung Bae in the 56th minute, Kim Hyun Jun in the 88th minute; they will meet U22 Vietnam in the next round. Korea temporarily leads the group.
In the 88th minute, when U22 Uzbekistan pushed forward to find an equalizer, substitute Kim Hyun Jun sealed a 2-0 victory for U22 Korea. Before that, in the 56th minute, Jung Seung Bae broke the deadlock with a shot from a right-wing dribble into the center. U22 Uzbekistan suffered a defeat in the opening match of the 2025 Panda Cup, right before the confrontation with U22 Vietnam.
This result temporarily put U22 Korea at the top of the table with 3 points, while U22 Uzbekistan ranked last. The defeat not only affected the position of the Central Asian team but also created psychological pressure before the match against U22 Vietnam.
Development: steady first 45 minutes, collapse after the break
Playing with a young squad, coach Ravshan Haydarov's team started the game confidently. Captain Dilshod Abdullaev and his teammates played disciplined, blocking the gaps in the middle and on both sides, thereby neutralizing most of the attacks of U22 Korea. Goalkeeper Murkaev did not have to pick the ball out of the net during the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, the East Asian representative increased the speed and rhythm of the attack. In the 56th minute, Jung Seung Bae dribbled from the right wing into the center, coordinated quickly in the 16m50 area and then finished accurately, opening the score for U22 Korea.
With the lead, coach Lee Min Sung's team took the initiative to slow down and control the match to maintain their advantage. Uzbekistan U22's efforts to rise up were not sharp; the rare counter-attacks were not enough to put pressure on the opponent's goal. In the 88th minute, Kim Hyun Jun - coming off the bench - closed the match with the second goal for Korea.
Tactical analysis: South Korea controls the rhythm, Uzbekistan lacks breakthroughs
The game clearly reflected the difference in control of the game. Having been blocked in the first half, U22 Korea patiently accelerated after the break and searched for space on the right flank - where Jung Seung Bae's individual handling became the point of explosion.
After the opening goal, coach Lee Min Sung's controlling style of play was effective: reducing risks, controlling the ball safely and pulling the opponent's formation out of the defensive block. On the other hand, U22 Uzbekistan showed their immaturity when they lacked quality attacking situations to threaten the opponent's goal, despite trying to push the formation up in the final stages of the match.
Selected statistics
- Score: U22 Uzbekistan 0-2 U22 Korea
- First half: U22 Uzbekistan did not concede a goal
- Goals: 56th minute (Jung Seung Bae), 88th minute (Kim Hyun Jun)
- Temporary rankings: U22 Korea has 3 points, temporarily leading; U22 Uzbekistan is at the bottom
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 56 | Jung Seung Bae opened the score for U22 Korea |
| 88 | Kim Hyun Jun sealed the 2-0 victory |
Impact on U22 Vietnam
In the next round, U22 Uzbekistan will face U22 Vietnam. The defeat in the opening match is expected to affect the mentality and confidence of the Central Asian representative, while U22 Vietnam has the opportunity to benefit mentally if they achieve a favorable result against the host China.
With the current situation, the Uzbekistan - Vietnam match becomes an important test for the ambitions of both teams at the Panda Cup 2025.