U22 Vietnam pumped up spirit, rotated against Uzbekistan

U22 Vietnam just beat U22 China 1-0 in the opening match of the 2025 Panda Cup and entered the second leg against U22 Uzbekistan at 2:30 p.m. on November 15 with both mental and tactical preparation. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh affirmed that all players have the same role and left open the possibility of changing the lineup, while also requiring the whole team to improve ball control, transition speed and efficiency in the final stages. On the rankings, U22 Vietnam is temporarily in second place with 3 points, equal to U22 Korea but with a lower goal difference; U22 Uzbekistan lost the opening match.

Rotation of the squad and the message "everyone is official"

In the latest training session, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh "wound up" his students with a statement emphasizing the role of everyone. He said:“Overall, I remind you to always be ready, and for me, the main purpose of this training trip is that everyone plays the role of an official player, no one is a reserve player. Tomorrow, I may have to change the entire squad.”

Tactical significance

Emphasizing the “official” nature of the entire squad opens up the possibility of deep rotation, helping to maintain the pace of play, creating internal competition and being ready with many approaches to the match. With an opponent considered to be as tightly organized and technical as U22 Uzbekistan, personnel flexibility can be the key to changing the situation in each stage.

Lessons learned from the 1-0 victory over U22 China

On the morning of November 14, the whole team met to review experiences through videotapes, analyzing situations in detail to promote strengths and correct weaknesses. The acting head coach acknowledged the fighting spirit and at the same time requested to improve standards in three key areas.

• Ball Control:Control the tempo, limit open ball losses.
• Change status:Accelerate when transitioning from defense to offense and vice versa.
• Efficiency in final processing phase:Improves decision making and accuracy in passing/acceleration/final shot.

These requirements show that U22 Vietnam is aiming for a proactive playing structure: good control at the back, shortening transition times and being sharper in the penalty area—factors that often decide the margin of victory in balanced matches.

Opponent U22 Uzbekistan: tight organization, technique

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh assessed U22 Uzbekistan as a “quality, well-organized and technically skilled opponent”. To maintain the initiative, U22 Vietnam needs to maintain the team’s distance, the quality of coordination on both sides and the continuity in pressing after losing the ball—criteria closely linked to the requirements of control and transition that the coaching staff has stated.

In the context of the opponent being more organized, a solid mental preparation along with a rotation plan can help U22 Vietnam "change cards" in time: increase personnel in the middle of the field to keep the ball when needed, or add speed on the flanks when needed to stretch the defense.

Group stage and schedule

U22 Vietnam is currently in second place, with 3 points like U22 Korea but with a lower goal difference. U22 Uzbekistan lost the opening match, thereby creating pressure for the second match. The match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Uzbekistan took place at2:30 p.m. November 15.

Related information

After the victory over U22 China, the injury of a key U22 Vietnam player was "not as serious as expected" according to information updated by the coaching staff during the day.

With a solid mental foundation and clearly defined adjustments, U22 Vietnam aims to maintain a proactive position against U22 Uzbekistan, taking advantage of the opportunity to consolidate their position in the race at Panda Cup 2025.