U22 Vietnam lost to U22 Korea 0-1, ending Panda Cup 2025
Losing to U22 Korea 0-1 with a goal in the 32nd minute by Kim Myeongjun, U22 Vietnam closed the Panda Cup 2025 after experimenting with 3 central defenders and wingers, aiming for SEA Games 33.
Vietnam U22 ended the Panda Cup 2025 with a 0-1 defeat against South Korea U22. The only goal conceded came in the 32nd minute by Kim Myeongjun. Although the result was not perfect, the team under coach Dinh Hong Vinh gained many practical lessons, from personnel testing to tactical adjustments, serving the goal of SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals.
The pivotal moment
Under early pressure from U22 Korea, the U22 Vietnam defense maintained good distance and discipline until the 32nd minute. From a free kick on the left wing, Kim Myeongjun scored from close range to open the score. Before that, Thanh Nhan had created an impression with a sprint on the right wing but could not convert it into a goal.
After conceding the goal, U22 Vietnam proactively pushed up their formation. The left wing became the main attack direction when Dinh Bac and Van Khang continuously coordinated, creating a series of dangerous crosses and passes, but U22 Korea maintained their advantage until the end of the first half.
In the second half, U22 Vietnam adjusted their personnel to increase their attack power. In the 52nd minute, goalkeeper Trung Kien made an excellent save, keeping hope for his teammates. Despite their efforts until the end, the East Asian representative still played tightly and ended the match with a minimal victory.
Tactical angle: 3 center backs, wingers and intensity test
U22 Vietnam continued to prioritize testing in the final match. The young central defender trio Le Van Ha - Dang Tuan Phong - Nguyen Duc Anh were given the opportunity to start, creating a three-man defense to increase the depth of cover against the pressure and high intensity pressing of U22 Korea.
The experienced group of players including Van Khang, Anh Quan, Van Truong, Thai Son, Dinh Bac, Quoc Viet and Thanh Nhan play the role of leading the rhythm and stabilizing the structure. The attack plan prioritizes the speed of the two wings: the right wing waits for the opportunity to quickly change state (Thanh Nhan), the left wing organizes more systematically with the coordination of Dinh Bac - Van Khang. The key is to pass the ball behind the opponent's fullback, cross to find a point to cut close to the goal.
However, the difference in physical strength, speed and ability to control the tempo of U22 Korea forced U22 Vietnam to retreat deep at many times. The goal from a dead ball showed that the constant pressure pushed the defense into a risky area, where even a moment of losing a player in the 5m50 area would cost them. Trung Kien's save in the 52nd minute reflected the nature of the match: when the opponent increased the tempo, every reflex and every cover phase required high precision.
Lessons from Panda Cup 2025
U22 Vietnam ended the tournament with 1 win (1-0 against host China) and 2 losses 0-1 (against Uzbekistan and South Korea). The series of matches against opponents with high physical strength, speed and ability to control the tempo created a reliable picture of real combat assessment for the coaching staff.
The biggest value is not in the points. Each game is a test: testing reaction to pressure, the precision of the three-man defence, the ability to maintain the team's distance and the decisive quality in the final third. Progress is shown by the way the team maintains tactical order, not breaking down despite being constantly pushed into one-on-one duels.
In the long term, the 2025 Panda Cup plays a screening and perfecting role: helping to shape the framework, refine the wing play plan, and optimize the role of experienced pillars alongside the young group. More importantly, it is the psychological foundation - confidence when entering high intensity - for the journey towards the 33rd SEA Games and further, the 2026 U23 Asia.
U22 Vietnam results at Panda Cup 2025
| Battle | Competitor | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 1-0 | Win; home team |
| 2 | Uzbekistan | 0-1 | Lose |
| 3 | Korea | 0-1 | Lose |
From the pieces gathered – tactical discipline, defensive organization and flanking options – U22 Vietnam has the foundation to move forward. The road ahead is still full of challenges, but the experience they have just accumulated is a valuable asset that will accompany them to their big goals.
