Vietnam U22 lost 0-1 to South Korea U22, Kim Myung-jun scored the goal.

Vietnam U22 concluded their CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 campaign with a 0-1 defeat against South Korea U22. Kim Myung-jun scored the only goal in the 33rd minute, and Vietnam U22's efforts to fight back after the break were not enough to change the outcome. A sad highlight at the end of the match was the injury that forced Nguyen Van Truong to leave the field in the 80th minute.

The decisive moment

The game shifted after the first 5 minutes when U22 Vietnam confidently controlled possession but failed to create enough pressure. As U22 South Korea adjusted their tempo and pushed their formation higher, their attacks intensified: their first shot in the 14th minute (unaccurate), and in the 17th minute, the Vietnamese net was shaken but the goal was disallowed due to a foul before the shot.

The pressure continued to mount with two more shots in the 23rd and 28th minutes, forcing the red-shirted defense to retreat and defend in a low block. In the 33rd minute, Kim Myung-jun – the striker currently playing in Europe – scored a decisive goal, opening the scoring at 1-0. This situation highlighted the difference in speed and decision-making quality within the penalty area.

In the remaining minutes of the first half, the Vietnam U22 team pushed forward in search of an equalizer but were unable to break through the opponent's disciplined defense.

Second half: control and discipline

After the break, coach Dinh Hong Vinh made substitutions to strengthen the attack. However, the physical advantage and modern tactics of the South Korean U22 team helped them maintain the initiative. In the 50th minute, Kim Myung-jun unleashed a powerful shot that forced goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien to make a diving save – a rare dangerous moment in the second half.

From then on, the South Korean U22 team deliberately slowed down the pace, controlling space and possession. Their midfield organization frequently disrupted the Vietnamese U22 team's passing combinations right from the center of the field. In the 73rd minute, Kim Myung-jun was substituted after completing his goal-scoring task.

In the 80th minute, the Vietnam U22 team suffered a setback when Nguyen Van Truong sustained an injury after a collision and had to be stretchered off the field. This situation caused concern among fans, as Van Truong is a key player for the SEA Games at the end of the year.

Tactical perspective

South Korea U22 won thanks to their dominance in tempo and space: they forced their opponents to play at their own pace, while simultaneously tightening the midfield to neutralize Vietnam U22's passing game. Once they had the advantage, the East Asian representatives wisely shifted to controlling the game, minimizing risks instead of pushing forward with more players.

For the Vietnam U22 team, the most prominent issue is their approach to the final three-thirds of the pitch. Possession in the early stages isn't enough to create opportunities, and when drawn into a physical battle – involving collisions – the red-shirted team lacks the kind of decisive plays needed to break down the opponent's defensive structure.

The numbers, the moments

• 33': Kim Myung-jun scores the decisive goal, giving South Korea U22 a 1-0 lead.
• 50': Trung Kien saves a dangerous shot from Kim Myung-jun.
• 17': South Korea U22's goal is disallowed due to a foul before the shot.
• 80': Nguyen Van Truong leaves the field on a stretcher due to injury.

Impact

The 0-1 result ended the journey of both teams in the Panda Cup 2025. For the Vietnam U22 team, the failure to score and the loss of players at the end of the match raise concerns for future training camps, especially regarding the condition of Nguyen Van Truong ahead of the SEA Games. The South Korea U22 team showed composure and discipline in controlling the game as they took the lead.

Final score:Vietnam U22 0-1 South Korea U22
Goals:Kim Myung-jun 33'

CTVX