U22 Vietnam beat U22 China 1-0 at Panda Cup
U22 Vietnam won 1-0 in the opening match of Panda Cup 2025: Pham Minh Phuc scored in the 80th minute from an opponent's mistake, Cao Van Binh saved the goal; Bui Vi Hao returned.
In the 80th minute, from an indecisive clearance by the Chinese U22 defense, Pham Minh Phuc rushed in and finished close to the goal, sealing a 1-0 victory for Vietnam U22 in the opening match of the 2025 Panda Cup. Before that, China U22 controlled the ball more but could not overcome the solid defense and important saves of goalkeeper Cao Van Binh.
Key developments and decisive moments
China U22 took the initiative in the match. In the 6th minute, He Yiran headed the ball wide of the goal in the first dangerous opportunity of the match. In the 17th and 28th minutes, Cao Van Binh made consecutive saves, especially when he rushed out to close the angle from Baihelamu's face-off.
U22 Vietnam was patient and waited for the opportunity in the first half. In the 43rd minute, Thanh Nhan escaped to face the goalkeeper but could not beat him in a narrow angle. The first half ended 0-0.
In the second half, the home team continued to dominate possession in the opponent's third. The game only really opened up from the 66th minute when both teams played an open game. In the 74th minute, striker Bui Vi Hao returned after nearly a year of injury, coming on to replace Quoc Viet, helping U22 Vietnam put more pressure on the front line.
The turning point came in the 80th minute: the Chinese U22 defense made a mistake in clearing the ball, Pham Minh Phuc chose a good position and finished close to the goal to open the score. U22 Vietnam maintained their advantage until the end of the match, starting the Panda Cup with a minimal victory.
Tactical Analysis: Patience, Organization and Taking Advantage of Mistakes
U22 China focused on controlling and pressing, constantly bringing the ball into the U22 Vietnam penalty area. When losing the ball, the home team quickly retreated, making it difficult for U22 Vietnam to penetrate and forcing them to wait for situations to change state.
U22 Vietnam prioritized a tight defensive structure in front of the penalty area. The central defenders and goalkeeper coordinated well in the second phase. From the 66th minute, when the game opened up, U22 Vietnam's attacks became sharper. The goal in the 80th minute was proof of alertness in risk management and the ability to punish the opponent's mistakes.
Goalkeeper Highlight: Cao Van Binh
The saves in the 17th and 28th minutes helped U22 Vietnam keep the game balanced before making a difference. The situation of coming out to close the angle in the 28th minute before Baihelamu's quick shot was especially important psychologically.
Personnel and match rhythm
The return of Bui Vi Hao in the 74th minute provided a running option and put pressure on the opponent's field, contributing to creating an open game in the final stage - a premise for U22 Vietnam to score.
A series of outstanding situations
| Minute | Situation |
|---|---|
| 6' | He Yiran headed dangerously, the ball went wide of the goal. |
| 17' | The ball was in disarray in the U22 Vietnam penalty area, Cao Van Binh saved the goal. |
| 28' | Baihelamu faced, Cao Van Binh rushed out to close the angle and saved the goal. |
| 35' | U22 Vietnam pushed up the formation, there was no space to finish. |
| 43' | Thanh Nhan shot from a narrow angle when facing the goalkeeper, but could not beat him. |
| 55' | U22 China continued to dominate in terms of ball time and shots. |
| 66' | The two teams switched to an offensive game. |
| 74' | Bui Vi Hao entered the field to replace Quoc Viet, marking his return after nearly a year of injury. |
| 80' | Pham Minh Phuc finished close to the goal after a defensive mistake, opening the score 1-0. |
| 90+' | Full time: U22 Vietnam 1-0 U22 China. |
Context and significance
Before the match, U22 Vietnam was considered to have more experience as they headed to the 33rd SEA Games in December, with the core being the players who won the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and qualified for the 2026 Asian U23 Championship. U22 China does not have the strongest force and is rejuvenating the squad, with 16/30 players in the U20 group to prepare long-term for the 2028 Olympic goal.
The 1-0 victory was therefore a valuable opening match for U22 Vietnam: keeping a clean sheet, overcoming the home pressure of the opponent and taking advantage of the decisive moment to decide the result.
Match information
- Time: 18:35 November 12, 2025
- Location: Shuangliu Sports Centre, Chengdu, China
- Tournament: Panda Cup 2025 Friendly
- Result: U22 Vietnam 1-0 U22 China
- Goal scorer: Pham Minh Phuc 80'
