U22 Vietnam is ready to play U22 Korea at 2:30 p.m. November 18

The final match of U22 Vietnam at CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 took place at 2:30 p.m. on November 18, against U22 Korea. After a day of recovery in the gym, Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team returned to the training ground on the afternoon of November 17, ready for the "final" match in terms of emotions and ability testing. The previous two matches left a contrast: a 1-0 win over host China, then a narrow 0-1 loss to U22 Uzbekistan in a game where they created chances but lacked precision in the final handling.

Decisive moment at Panda Cup 2025

U22 Vietnam will face U22 Korea at 2:30 p.m. (Vietnam time) on November 18. This is the last chance to perfect the tactical pieces before the final preparation for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, as shared by coach Dinh Hong Vinh.

Impressions of the past two matches

The 1-0 win over China was a confirmation of the team's organization and ability to withstand pressure away from home. In the 0-1 loss to Uzbekistan U22, Vietnam U22 created many opportunities but lacked a precise rhythm in the pass or the final shot. In terms of development, it is a positive sign: the team is approaching the right dangerous area, the rest lies in the quality of the final decision.

The afternoon training session on November 17th took place in a serious but relaxed pace. The coaching staff prioritized adjusting the amount of exercise to maintain the physical foundation and concentration before the final match, instead of increasing the new volume.

Tactical analysis: pace, stamina and final moments

U22 Korea is highly appreciated for its physical foundation, speed and modern playing style. This sets three tactical requirements for U22 Vietnam: tight formation distance, transition management and precision in the final handling phase. When the opponent accelerates, the ability to narrow the space between the lines is key, forcing them to play horizontally instead of vertically.

An important support comes from the last meeting in March 2025 at the tournament organized by the Chinese Football Association: U22 Vietnam held to a 1-1 draw. At that time, Thanh Nhan opened the score in the 52nd minute with his signature sprint, and it was not until 90+1 that Kim Woo-bin equalized for U22 Korea. Those two moments encapsulate the message: U22 Vietnam can make a difference through speed and transition, as long as they maintain focus until the last seconds.

Against a physically strong opponent, the value of the “second phase” after pressing, the second ball in midfield and the situations of releasing speed will be greater. However, the key is still alertness in the final decision: a reasonable touch or a pass at the right time can change the situation, something that U22 Vietnam came close to in the match against U22 Uzbekistan.

Coaching staff perspective

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh identified the match against U22 Korea as an important occasion to test the force, accumulate experience and perfect the playing style. That is a clear orientation: emphasize the process, not just the result. The way the physical load was managed in the most recent training session showed that the coaching staff's priority was to maintain the rhythm of the match and concentration.

Selected statistics before the ball rolls

• Results of the past two matches of U22 Vietnam: won China 1-0; lost to Uzbekistan 0-1.
• Match time U22 Vietnam vs U22 Korea: 2:30 p.m., November 18 (Vietnam time).
• Most recent head-to-head: 1-1 draw (March 2025). Goals: Thanh Nhan 52'; Kim Woo-bin 90+1'.

With the professional and psychological support from the last encounter, and the physical foundation maintained through the adjusted training plan, U22 Vietnam entered the final match at Panda Cup 2025 with visible readiness. In a tournament that emphasizes experimentation and accumulation, how the team handles small moments can make a big difference.