After the second match of the Panda Cup 2025 international friendly tournament, Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh made an important comment on the performance of U22 Vietnam.
Despite a 0-1 defeat to U22 Uzbekistan, he said that the players still showed clear progress, maintained a disciplined spirit and accumulated more valuable experience for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Finals.
Overall, coach Dinh Hong Vinh said: Today, the U22 Vietnam players competed with a spirit of determination and discipline. We met a very strong opponent, with good organization and extensive international experience.
Despite conceding an early goal, the whole team remained calm, trying to adjust and regain the rhythm of the match. I am satisfied with the efforts and attitude of the players.
However, the interim strategist also pointed out some limitations that the team needs to overcome soon, including the ability to handle the ball in the final situations and maintain pressure for a long time. U22 Vietnam created a few clear opportunities in the second half but lacked sharpness to convert them into goals.
Mr. Vinh said: "This result is also a regret. The whole team created some good chances but lacked some accuracy in the final situations. However, this is an international friendly tournament, our goal is to build a squad, check people and accumulate experience. The players will have a meeting to review experiences to look back at the match and mature.
In the final match, U22 Vietnam will face U22 Korea - a team with a physical foundation, speed and modern playing style. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said that the team will review the performance against U22 Uzbekistan and consider the physical condition of each player before making an optimal plan.
U22 Korea is a high-quality team, moving a lot and at good speed. We will review today's match, consider each player's physical condition to make reasonable adjustments.
The goal is to compete more organizedly, maintain the lineup distance and improve quality in the final stages. At the same time, we will continue to create opportunities for players who need more playing time, emphasized the U22 Vietnam captain.
In addition to tactical factors, Mr. Vinh especially noted the positive mentality of the players after conceding early: "Early goals will certainly affect tactics, but the important thing is that the whole team is not caught up in the opponent. The players maintained stability, persevered with their original intention and continued to seek opportunities for reconciliation. I am satisfied that the team's spirit has not given up."
According to the plan, U22 Vietnam will return to the training ground on November 16 to prepare for the final match against U22 Korea, taking place at 2:30 p.m. on November 18 (Vietnam time).
This is considered an important test for the coaching staff to continue to improve their playing style and evaluate the force before the decisive stage towards the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 U23 Asian Cup finals.
