U22 Vietnam competes with U22 Korea, keeping hope for Panda Cup

Vietnam U22 still has a chance to compete for the 2025 Panda Cup championship. After the 0-1 loss to Uzbekistan U22, all 4 teams are tied on points and the final match against Korea U22 becomes the decisive test. Acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh has outlined a clear plan: tighten the organization, maintain the team's distance, improve the quality in the final moves and adjust the personnel according to the physical condition, with the goal of creating a surprise result.

Plan to play against U22 Korea: tighten organization, maintain team distance

Evaluating the upcoming opponent, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh believes that U22 Korea is a quality team, playing fast and moving a lot. To cope, the number one requirement is to organize tightly and maintain a reasonable distance between the lines. Narrowing the vertical and horizontal gaps will help the team limit cross-line passes, minimizing the gaps in the inner corridor and behind the midfield.

In terms of active defense, when the formation maintains its compactness, U22 Vietnam can shorten the covering distance and approach the opponent's ball carrier faster. When the formation is balanced, the transition situations (from attack to defense) will be less slow, especially against an opponent with speed and the ability to move continuously.

Enhancement in final processing and opportunity conversion

The second idea highlighted is to improve the final touches. This includes the quality of the first touch, the final pass decision, positioning in the box and finishing at the right time. When the small details are optimised, the chance conversion rate increases – a crucial difference in evenly matched matches.

Against a physical and fast opponent, the final third of the pitch is often limited. Therefore, the need for technique in tight spaces and the ability to coordinate the ball carrier with the destination of the pass is key to creating a quality shot.

Rotate forces according to physical condition

In addition to tactics, the coaching staff considers rotation to maintain intensity and give opportunities to players who need to gain experience. Adjusting personnel based on physical condition helps ensure freshness in the competition, while also maintaining the rhythm of the team when facing a high-tempo team.

Changes of this type often aim to strike a balance between defensive safety and offensive sharpness: the player must understand the role, keep the correct distance and connect well with the surrounding area – thereby limiting positional errors when the formation moves.

Lessons from the loss to U22 Uzbekistan

U22 Vietnam conceded an early goal but did not lose structure, nor did they get caught up in the opponent's rhythm. Tactical discipline and mental endurance are the assets for the final match. On that basis, the team can enter the confrontation with U22 Korea with a more proactive mindset in managing the rhythm and space.

“Our goal is to play more organized, keep the team distance and improve the quality of the final touches. We will analyze today's match and consider the physical condition of each player to make appropriate adjustments.”, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized.

The championship door is still open, with the condition of creating a surprise

The tournament is in full swing with four teams level on points. That makes the final match a pivotal moment: a positive result against U22 Korea could put U22 Vietnam in the title race. From tightening the organization to improving the final touches, every detail is geared towards the common goal – turning disciplined defensive efforts and tactical initiative into concrete results.

The final match is not only a matter of tactics, but also a test of character. If they can maintain discipline, narrow the gap and be sharper in the decisive phases, U22 Vietnam has reason to believe in a result that can make a difference.

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