Vietnam U22 beat China U22 1-0: a difference in mindset.

Vietnam U22 opened the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 with a 1-0 victory over hosts China U22, thanks to a goal in the 84th minute by Minh Phúc. Despite the difficult group travel to Chengdu (Sichuan) and the impact on their physical condition, the team under interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh still displayed disciplined, energetic play and knew how to decide the match at the crucial moment.

The pressure intensified in the second half, and the 84th minute decided the match.

The U22 Vietnam team controlled the game better after the break. According to coach Dinh Hong Vinh, the team proactively increased pressing and significantly improved their transitions, thereby maintaining continuous pressure. Their patience in controlling the tempo allowed them to wait for the right moment to deliver the finishing blow.

Minh Phúc's goal in the 84th minute came at the perfect moment when the Vietnam U22 team had accumulated enough momentum and energy to overcome the home team's resistance. A clean finish not only secured three points but also affirmed the value of tactical organization and discipline in play.

Key difference: competitive mindset and tactical discipline.

Interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasized that cohesion in gameplay was the foundation of victory: “The players displayed an organized game, played according to tactical instructions, and maintained focus throughout the match. The 1-0 result is the fruit of thorough preparation and an uncompromising fighting spirit.”

He said the team impressed with their high-pressure pressing and transitions, especially evident in the second half when the pressure was better maintained. Their proactive approach at all times allowed the Vietnam U22 team to control the tempo and minimize the opponent's space.

Think proactively instead of being swept along.

"The biggest difference today was the mindset. The Vietnam U22 team was no longer drawn into the opponent's style of play. Instead, the players were more proactive in controlling the tempo and maintaining their formation," coach Dinh Hong Vinh shared.

In a context where physical fitness was depleted by the group travel schedule, maintaining positional discipline and alertness during transitions demonstrated the team's tactical readiness. The coaching staff thoroughly studied the opponent and made adjustments at the right time, helping the team withstand pressure and deliver the decisive blow at the end of the match.

The significance of the 2025 Panda Cup and the history of their encounters.

This victory opens up a promising start to the Panda Cup 2025 campaign and is also symbolic in terms of morale. This is the first time the Vietnam U22 team has beaten China U22 since their 2019 victory, when Tien Linh scored a brace. After a defeat and a draw in their most recent encounters, the young team has regained their confidence against their long-standing rival.

With their first three points, the Vietnam U22 team has a solid foundation to continue developing their playing style based on pressing and quick transitions, elements that were clearly evident in the second half of the opening match. Their convincing performance stemmed from how they broke down the game, rather than simply waiting for crucial moments.

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Post-match reaction

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh expressed satisfaction with the team's attitude and adherence to the plan: "The tactics practiced over the past period have begun to show clearly, especially in the second half – the time when the Vietnam U22 team created the most pressure."

Building on that foundation, the Vietnam U22 team left the opening match with a minimal but meaningful victory, both as a result and as an indicator of the tactical identity they are developing.