U22 Vietnam visits Panda before match against U22 Korea

Two days before the final match of the 2025 Panda Cup, U22 Vietnam still holds the right to decide in the championship race. After the 0-1 defeat to Uzbekistan, coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team returned to training on November 16, and took the opportunity to "recharge their batteries" with a visit to the Panda Park in Chengdu, Sichuan, China - a timely break before facing U22 Korea.

Panda Cup 2025 situation: 4 teams with 3 points

The surprise 2-0 victory of U22 China over U22 Korea, with both goals scored by Behram Abduweli, has made the tournament unpredictable. After 2 rounds, all four teams have 3 points. According to sources, U22 China is currently leading with a goal difference of +1; U22 Vietnam and U22 Korea have a goal difference of 0; U22 Uzbekistan has a goal difference of -1. That means the championship will only be decided in the last 90 minutes.

For U22 Vietnam, the scenario is clear: if they defeat U22 Korea and have a better gap than the remaining match between U22 China and U22 Uzbekistan, coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team will be crowned at the Panda Cup 2025.

"Recharge" in Chengdu before G-hour

After a narrow 0-1 loss to Uzbekistan, U22 Vietnam had about two days to prepare for the final match. In addition to the training session on November 16, the team spent time visiting the Panda Park - a symbolic destination of Chengdu. This is not only the most famous tourist destination in China but also a conservation and research facility for giant pandas - a beloved "national treasure".

In youth friendly tournaments like the Panda Cup, the short rhythm of competition requires a balance between physical recovery and emotional stability. An off-field activity, however short, can help players relax mentally and recharge before returning to the tactical intensity and scoring pressure.

Focus before U22 Korea

U22 Korea just lost 0-2 to U22 China, showing that the situation is completely open and all scenarios can happen in the final round. According to the previous sharing, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh pointed out the things that U22 Vietnam needs to improve before meeting the East Asian representative. In the context that the goal difference can be the deciding factor, every moment of concentration and efficiency in the final stage will be of key significance.

The decisive moment at Panda Cup

The 2025 Panda Cup is held in Chengdu – the city associated with the image of pandas – and it is the unpredictability of the group that creates the attraction for the final match. From China U22 losing to Vietnam U22 and then surprisingly defeating Korea U22, to all four teams having 3 points after two rounds, all the result ranges are open.

For U22 Vietnam, the requirement is simple yet harsh: beat U22 Korea and wait for the goal difference. After a day of "recharging" at the Panda Park and a training session on November 16, the young team entered the decisive match not only with the expectation of a title, but also with the opportunity to assert their mettle against a continental-level opponent.