U22 Vietnam end Panda Cup with 0-1 loss to U22 RoK
VOV.VN - U22 Vietnam closed their campaign at the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 with a 0-1 defeat to the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Chengdu on November 18.
The young Vietnamese squad entered the match with high hopes, but on-field reality proved challenging under coach Dinh Hong Vinh.
Right from the start, U22 Vietnam adopted a cautious approach, prioritising defence and counterattacks against opponents with superior physicality, speed, and ball control. U22 RoK dominated possession early on, pushing Vietnam almost entirely into their own half.
The central defensive trio of Tuan Phong, Duc Anh, and Van Ha struggled to coordinate, making ball distribution from the back difficult and disrupting coherent attacking play.
In the 33rd minute, Kim Myung-jun crossed from the left wing and opened the score for U22 RoK.
After the conceding goal, Vietnam attempted to regain momentum through wing plays on the left, utilising the mobility of Dinh Bac and Van Khang, but their attacks were repeatedly blocked. The first half ended with U22 Vietnam largely focused on defending.
In the second half, coach Dinh Hong Vinh made five substitutions, bringing on Pham Minh Phuc, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Viktor Le, and Hieu Minh. Despite this, U22 RoK continued to control possession. In the 52nd minute, Park Seong-hun tested Vietnam’s defence with a dangerous shot, which was narrowly saved by goalkeeper Trung Kien.
Challenges intensified when Van Truong suffered an injury and had to leave the field on a stretcher. Having already used all substitutions, Vietnam played the remainder of the match a man down, with the midfield heavily pressured and counterattacks rendered almost impossible.
Despite their best efforts, U22 Vietnam could not find an equaliser and suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat. This was the second loss of the tournament, following a 0-1 defeat to U22 Uzbekistan, after opening with a 1-0 victory over hosts U22 China. Vietnam finished the group stage with three points from three matches.
The tournament will see its final clash between U22 China and U22 Uzbekistan on the evening of November 18 before the organisers reveal the final rankings.
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