U22 Vietnam has a bright chance of winning the Panda Cup after the earthquake
U22 China beat U22 Korea 2-0, four teams have 3 points after two rounds. U22 Vietnam will win the championship if they beat U22 Korea with a bigger margin than the China - Uzbekistan match.
China U22 defeated South Korea U22 2-0, creating a turning point for the 2025 Panda Cup and opening the door to the championship for Vietnam U22. With all four teams having 3 points after two rounds, the scenario for the top spot will be decided in the final round: Vietnam U22 will be crowned if they beat South Korea U22 by a better margin than the China U22 - Uzbekistan U22 pair.
Panda Cup 2025 situation reversed
Vietnam U22 started with a 1-0 victory over host China U22 but lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan U22 in the second round. After two matches, coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team have 3 points, with a goal difference of 0.
In another surprising development, U22 China beat U22 Korea 2-0, both goals were scored by Behram Abduweli. This result brought the group to a balance: all four teams have 3 points. According to the current goal difference, U22 China +1; U22 Vietnam 0; U22 Korea 0; U22 Uzbekistan -1.
Championship opportunity of U22 Vietnam
The problem for U22 Vietnam in the final round is clear: must beat U22 Korea and create a better gap than the result of the match between U22 China and U22 Uzbekistan. In a youth friendly tournament, where teams constantly rotate personnel and change their approach, the fluctuation range is very large, so the possibility of U22 Vietnam breaking out is completely feasible.
Tactical angle: facing U22 Korea
According to the coaching staff, U22 Korea possesses a foundation of physical strength, speed and modern playing style. That sets a tactical requirement for U22 Vietnam: tight organization, maintaining team distance and improving the quality in the final processing stage to convert opportunities into goals.
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized analyzing the past matches and considering the physical condition of each player to make adjustments. With the goal of competing for the championship, efficiency in the penalty area and discipline in each pressing layer will be the key to help U22 Vietnam control the tempo against a fast-paced opponent.
Statement of Coach Dinh Hong Vinh
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said: “U22 Korea is a high-quality team, moving a lot and having good speed. We will analyze today’s match, consider the physical condition of each player to make appropriate adjustments. The goal is to play more organized, maintain team distance and improve the quality of the final moves. At the same time, we will continue to create opportunities for players who need more playing time.”
Notable numbers
- U22 Vietnam: won U22 China 1-0, lost U22 Uzbekistan 0-1; 3 points, goal difference 0 after two matches.
- China U22 2-0 Korea U22: Behram Abduweli scored both goals.
- Group after two rounds: all four teams have 3 points; goal difference respectively: U22 China +1; U22 Vietnam 0; U22 Korea 0; U22 Uzbekistan -1.
- Championship scenario: U22 Vietnam needs to beat U22 Korea with a better margin than the result of the match between U22 China and U22 Uzbekistan.
From the "earthquake" in the second round to the opening in the last round, U22 Vietnam has the opportunity to decide for themselves. The remaining problem lies in organization, precision in the decisive moment and how they manage their physical strength against a speedy opponent.
