U22 Vietnam vs U22 South Korea: Building Momentum for SEA Games 33 (2:30 PM, November 18)

18/11/2025 06:56:00 soccer

The team under acting coach Đinh Hồng Vinh has the opportunity to surpass many continental football giants to win the tournament held in China this time. If realized, U22 Vietnam will gain a confident mindset ahead of SEA Games 33.

The clash between U22 Vietnam and U22 South Korea at the Panda Cup 2025 occurs with all four teams tied at three points, making the final round extraordinarily intense for a friendly tournament.

However, for U22 Vietnam, the ultimate aim is not the championship trophy but the practical lessons gained to prepare for SEA Games 33, where domestic fans hold high hopes. At this moment, U22 Vietnam has a significant chance to overcome U22 South Korea.

After an impressive debut win over U22 China with a sharp, calculated playing style, U22 Vietnam couldn’t maintain their rhythm and fell 0-1 to U22 Uzbekistan. This defeat temporarily placed them third due to an inferior goal difference compared to U22 China and U22 South Korea. More importantly, the playing style showed instability, with players seeming tired, leading to marking mistakes and limited finishing ability.

Meanwhile, U22 South Korea also faced a shock when losing to host China. Korean media responded strongly, even predicting the team might falter again against U22 Vietnam if no changes are made. The Chosun newspaper bluntly pointed out: "If they continue with the same weak performance as before, U22 South Korea will find it difficult to beat U22 Vietnam, who punished U22 China through their mobility and flexible counterattacks."

Nonetheless, this will likely push U22 South Korea to enter the match with a strong determination to defeat U22 Vietnam. Coach Lee Min Sung’s squad probably cannot accept another loss in this year’s tournament.

The loss against U22 Uzbekistan has provided U22 Vietnam with valuable experience to perform strongly against U22 South Korea today. Photo: VFF

Theoretically, U22 Vietnam is the underdog, which is unquestionable. But in youth football, especially in friendly tournaments, the skill gap can narrow depending on psychological factors and the match situation.

If U22 Vietnam scores first, U22 South Korea might easily repeat their mistakes made against U22 China. Eight months ago, also in China, U22 Vietnam managed a 1-1 draw with U22 South Korea. Acting coach Đinh Hồng Vinh knows the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses well and now it’s time to instill confidence in his players.

U22 Vietnam does not need to focus too much on the final results of this tournament, even with a chance to win. VFF leaders have confirmed the team is free from performance pressure, as the main goal is SEA Games 33. If acting coach Đinh Hồng Vinh handles this well, U22 Vietnam will gain more confidence, dare to compete against stronger opponents, and hope for positive results.

After two matches, U22 Vietnam needs to review their attacking performance. So far, no striker has met the coaching staff’s expectations. The only goal scored in China over two games came from a fullback. Acting coach Đinh Hồng Vinh has used all forwards, but none have left a strong impression.

The most impressive players for U22 Vietnam have been substitutes. In the win over U22 China, Minh Phúc shone by scoring the only goal after coming on in the second half. In the 0-1 loss to U22 Uzbekistan, Ngọc Mỹ rattled the opponent’s crossbar with a close-range header in injury time.

Another positive aspect of U22 Vietnam in this tournament, as acknowledged by acting coach Đinh Hồng Vinh, is their composure. Whether under pressure or building from their own half, the players remain patient and calm. U22 Vietnam maintains a steady pace, reflecting the players’ resilience. Thanks to continuous play, Coach Vinh’s squad has matured significantly.

U22 South Korea may try to dominate offensively in the next match, and chances will come for strikers who can capitalize on opportunities. If U22 Vietnam wants to win to keep their championship hopes alive, their forwards must be more effective, and the team must deliver their best performance of the tournament so far.

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