U22 Vietnam beat U22 China 1-0: different thinking

Vietnam U22 opened the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 with a 1-0 victory over host China U22, thanks to Minh Phuc's goal in the 84th minute. Despite being divided into groups and having their fitness affected by the trip to Chengdu (Sichuan), the team of interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh still showed disciplined, energetic play and knew how to decide the match at the decisive moment.

Second half increased pressure, 84th minute decided

The game was better controlled by U22 Vietnam after the break. According to coach Dinh Hong Vinh, the team proactively increased the pressing and significantly improved the transition, thereby maintaining continuous pressure. Patience in controlling the tempo allowed the students to wait for the right moment to strike the finishing blow.

Minh Phuc's goal in the 84th minute came at the right time when U22 Vietnam had accumulated enough momentum and energy to overcome the host's resistance. A neat finish not only brought home 3 points but also affirmed the value of tactical organization and competition discipline.

The difference: competitive mindset and tactical discipline

Interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized that the synchronization in playing style was the foundation of victory: “The players showed an organized match, played according to tactical intentions and maintained concentration throughout the match. The 1-0 result was the result of careful preparation and an uncompromising fighting spirit.”

He said the team impressed with their ability to press high and transition, especially in the second half when the pressure was better maintained. The initiative at all times allowed U22 Vietnam to control the tempo and limit the opponent's space as much as possible.

Be proactive instead of being caught up

“The biggest difference today was the mindset. U22 Vietnam was no longer caught up in the opponent’s style of play. Instead, the players were more proactive in controlling the tempo and maintaining the team’s distance,” coach Dinh Hong Vinh shared.

Amid the physical wear and tear of the team’s travel schedule, maintaining positional discipline and composure in transitions showed the team’s tactical readiness. The coaching staff studied their opponents carefully and made timely adjustments, allowing the team to withstand pressure and deliver the decisive blow at the end of the match.

Meaning for Panda Cup 2025 and history of confrontation

This victory opens a favorable start for the 2025 Panda Cup campaign, and is also symbolic in terms of spirit. This is the first time U22 Vietnam has overcome U22 China since the victory in 2019, when Tien Linh scored a double. After a defeat and a draw in the last meetings, the young team has regained confidence against their fateful opponent.

With the first 3 points, U22 Vietnam has the basis to continue to develop a playing style based on pressing and the ability to quickly transition, pieces that were clearly shown in the second half of the opening match. The persuasion comes from the way the team dissects the match, instead of just waiting for the moment.

Selected statistics

Post-match reactions

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh expressed his satisfaction with the team's attitude and how they followed the plan: "The tactics that have been practiced over the past time have begun to be clearly demonstrated, especially in the second half - the time when U22 Vietnam created the most pressure."

From that foundation, U22 Vietnam left the opening match with a minimal but meaningful victory, both a result and an indication of the tactical identity being built.

CTVX