U22 Korea lost 0-2 to China, U22 Vietnam had the advantage

The 0-2 defeat of U22 Korea against U22 China at the Panda Cup 2025 not only ended a disappointing evening, but also marked a sad record: for the first time in 21 years, a Korean men's team at any level has lost consecutively to the Chinese representative. With four teams all on 3 points after two matches, the championship door is clearly open for U22 Vietnam before the final match.

Sad record after 21 years

The two goals that South Korea U22 conceded against China U22 both came from striker Behram Abduweli, ending the 0-2 loss at the 2025 Panda Cup. The poor results of South Korea's youth football team against China started with a 0-1 defeat at the CFA Team China friendly tournament in March. Now, with their second consecutive loss, they have re-established an unwanted milestone that first appeared since 2004.

This development immediately became the focus of the Korean media, not only because of the opponent being China but also because of the way the U22 Korean team performed: disjointed play, lacking identity. The overall picture was even more worrying because their U17 team had been eliminated from the World Cup.

Panda Cup 2025 race leveled

After two rounds, the 2025 Panda Cup has become a “four-team, one-point race”. U22 Vietnam, U22 China, U22 Korea and U22 Uzbekistan all have 3 points, with the same record of one win and one loss. The gap has been erased, making the final round a true “final”: every team still has a chance to lift the trophy.

Championship scenario for U22 Vietnam

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team will face U22 Korea on November 18. According to the current situation, the championship opportunity is completely within reach if they complete the minimum condition of winning, along with the following favorable scenarios:

• Beat U22 Korea and have better goal difference than China - Uzbekistan match
• Or: Win against South Korea while the other match ends in a draw

In the context that the direct opponent has just suffered two consecutive defeats against the Chinese representative in different tournaments, U22 Vietnam entered the final round with a psychological advantage. However, the nature of "a decisive match" requires maximum concentration and risk management regarding the difference.

Pressure from U22 Korea

With a sad record for the first time in 21 years, U22 Korea is under great pressure to prove its worth. Skepticism from the Korean media surrounding the disjointed and uncharacteristic playing style has pushed the team into a position of having to react. That could turn the match against U22 Vietnam into a test of both spirit and organization of play.

Meaning beyond the Panda Cup

For U22 Vietnam, this is an opportunity to create a mental boost before SEA Games 33 and affirm the progress of youth football. A victory will not only solve the problem of points at Panda Cup 2025 but also strengthen the belief in the competitiveness of the next generation.

The final round is "final"

All four teams have 3 points, so goal difference and the result of the final 90 minutes of head-to-head matches will decide the throne. U22 Vietnam will face U22 Korea, while U22 China will face U22 Uzbekistan: two parallel matches, one finish line.

Due to the pressure of points and achievements, the race at Panda Cup 2025 is waiting for the answer from the spirit. And there, U22 Vietnam has the opportunity to turn the current advantage into a title.