Vietnam U22 at the Panda Cup: good physical condition, but concerns about their playing style.

The moment Ngoc My unleashed a shot that nearly resulted in a goal at the end of the match against U22 Uzbekistan sealed a 90-minute performance where U22 Vietnam faced immense pressure but still fought to the very end. The Panda Cup 2025 exposed many shortcomings, but at the same time revealed a rare bright spot: the physical fitness and fighting spirit of the current U22 generation.

Highlights of physical fitness and fighting spirit.

Unlike previous generations, Coach Kim Sang Sik's players maintained their energy throughout the 90 minutes, moving frequently and competing fiercely, even when facing physically superior opponents like U22 China and U22 Uzbekistan. This resilience was the foundation that prevented the team from collapsing mentally despite being under pressure for most of the match. Ngoc My's near-miss goal at the end of the game is proof of their unwavering fighting spirit.

Tactical weaknesses: from the flanks to aerial balls

Physical advantages could not mask the inherent problems in their defensive organization. The U22 Vietnam team left gaps on both flanks, allowing opponents to exploit them. Team spacing and inconsistent judgment meant the goal was constantly under threat. In aerial duels, their proactiveness and handling skills were also weaknesses, increasing pressure on the defense.

In top-level football, wing space and aerial ball handling are two tactical aspects that determine the pace of the game. When the flanks are not tightly defended, opponents can easily access the final third of the pitch. And with aerial balls, just one misjudgment can render previous efforts to win the ball meaningless. These limitations were clearly revealed in the two matches at the Panda Cup.

The attacking strategy was lackluster, lacking a conductor.

Up front, the Vietnam U22 team has yet to demonstrate a clear game-playing strategy. The midfield lacks a "maestro" capable of controlling the tempo, connecting the lines, and delivering penetrating passes. Without such a central figure, the attacking players struggle to create favorable opportunities. The wasteful finishing continues, a pattern that has been evident since the Southeast Asian U23 Championship and the Asian U23 qualifiers.

Without a reliable link in midfield, the team has to rely heavily on individual effort and physical contests – something that struggles to make a difference against well-organized opponents. This is a bottleneck that needs to be addressed if the Vietnam U22 team wants to move closer to an effective attacking structure.

The context of the Panda Cup and the need for adjustments.

The Panda Cup is a test tournament for coach Kim Sang Sik and acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh to assess the squad. In the context of aiming for a longer-term goal like the U23 Asian Championship early next year, simply being fit and agile is not enough.

Things that need to be done immediately for the coaching staff.

• Tighten defensive discipline: protect the flanks, maintain team shape, and improve judgment in aerial situations.
• Clarify the ball deployment model: identify the role of midfield control to increase connectivity and the ability to create breakthroughs.
• Improve finishing efficiency: enhance the quality of the final touch, reduce the rate of wasted opportunities – a problem that has persisted across many tournaments.

Overall perspective

The Panda Cup 2025 showcased a commendable level of physical fitness and a positive fighting spirit from the Vietnam U22 team. However, when it comes to bigger goals, tactical details – from defending the flanks and handling aerial balls to defining the playmaker and effectiveness in front of goal – will be the deciding factors. This is the challenge awaiting a solution from coach Kim Sang Sik, acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh, and the entire Vietnam U22 team.