Vietnam's national team suffers second defeat in South Korea

Vietnam U18 national team tried hard but lacked luck against Kanto University.

On the afternoon of September 22, the Vietnam U18 national team played their second match at the 2025 Seoul Eou Cup international tournament, facing Kanto University (Japan) – a team that had defeated Zhejiang U18 (China) 5-1 in their opening game.

Compared to the opening match against K.League U18 All Star, Vietnam U18's starting lineup saw some changes with goalkeeper Hoa Xuan Tin and players Dinh Xuan Khai, Nguyen Viet Long, and Nguyen Van Bach included.

With a solid playing style focused on support and coverage, Vietnam U18 stood firm against the pressure from the higher-rated opponent. For most of the first half, Kanto University held more possession but created few clear chances to threaten the goal. Unfortunately, Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi’s players couldn’t maintain the balance when, in first-half injury time, Fukumota Itta unleashed a powerful long-range shot outside the box, scoring the opening goal 1-0 for the Japanese team.

In the second half, Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi made some personnel changes to both alter the game dynamics and give young players playing time. The Vietnam U18 team continued to stay focused, showing discipline and confidence in their combination plays.

In the 86th minute, an equalizing chance came very close when Pham Anh Tuan fired a strong shot from outside the box, the ball passing the goalkeeper’s reach but was timely blocked by a Kanto University defender right in front of the open goal. The match ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the Japanese team.

Although they have yet to earn any points, Vietnam U18’s performance today showed clear progress in their tactical organization, while continuing to provide valuable experience that helps these young players build resilience and international match experience, preparing them for upcoming official tournaments.