U22 Vietnam played their second match at the Panda Cup 2025 (Chengdu, China) against U22 Uzbekistan. The Central Asian team quickly pushed forward after the opening whistle and scored an early goal in the 4th minute, thanks to Khamidov Saidkhon’s strike.
The early goal energized U22 Uzbekistan, who continuously pressed for the first 15 minutes of the match. Afterwards, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh’s squad gradually regained control of the game and managed to create some attacking plays. However, U22 Vietnam’s shots in the first half were not impactful. In the 31st minute, Bekhruz Karimov nearly doubled the lead with a free-kick that hit the crossbar. U22 Uzbekistan played better in the first half with many dangerous shots, but the score remained unchanged.
U22 Vietnam (red kit) playing against U22 Uzbekistan (blue kit) at Panda Cup 2025.
In the second half, U22 Vietnam established a more balanced game. U22 Uzbekistan sat deep in defense, waiting for counter-attacking opportunities, making it difficult for U22 Vietnam’s offensives. Only towards the end of the match, when U22 Vietnam pushed aggressively, did the opponent’s goal come under continuous threat. However, Thanh Nhan and Ngoc My both missed clear chances to equalize.
The 0-1 defeat against U22 Uzbekistan significantly reduced U22 Vietnam’s chances of competing for the Panda Cup 2025 championship. In the final match on November 18, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh’s team will face U22 South Korea – a team that defeated U22 Uzbekistan 2-0 three days prior.
U22 China Player Explains Reasons for Defeat Against U22 Vietnam
Speaking after the loss, instead of captain Liu Haofan, defender Hu Hetao shared with the media: “The players have just finished the Chinese Super League and have many other matches. The whole team has only just assembled and trained together for only 4-5 days.
The absence of many key players also caused us many difficulties in arranging the lineup. However, I don’t want to use those as excuses for this defeat.
U22 Vietnam made up to 7 substitutions, while our bench only had 7 players. The physical condition between the two teams in the last 20 minutes was completely different.”
U22 China suffers a defeat against U22 Vietnam (Photo: QQ).
U22 Vietnam’s 1-0 victory over host U22 China at the Panda Cup 2025 was not just a simple result, but also an affirmation that Vietnamese football is gradually becoming a challenging opponent, haunting Chinese fans and experts.
China’s Coach Claims U22 Vietnam’s Victory Was Lucky
Speaking after the match, U22 China coach Antonio Puche expressed clear disappointment. He stated: “I am not satisfied with some aspects of U22 China but it’s not convenient to share at this time.”
However, the Spanish tactician still offered encouragement to his players, while asserting that U22 Vietnam had a lucky win. “This was a balanced match between two quality teams. U22 Vietnam capitalized well on their opportunities and were luckier. The result could have been 1-0, 0-0, or 0-1, all would be reasonable. I am satisfied with the players’ efforts, although the team still has many areas to improve,” the 53-year-old coach emphasized.
Many U22 China players were exhausted during the match against U22 Vietnam (Photo: Sina).
In the match against U22 Vietnam, U22 China did not have their strongest squad as many key players had to participate in the National Sports Games. Meanwhile, star player Wang Yudong even suffered an injury before the tournament and could not participate.
Coach Puche admitted difficulties in rotating the squad: “Many players today were not in good physical condition. Behram Abduweli cramped in the 75th minute, Xu Bin was exhausted from the 70th minute, Xiang Yuwang is in minor pain, and Li Zhenquan just played in the domestic league. We need to protect the players, otherwise, they will be completely exhausted.”
U22 Vietnam Coach Reveals Secret to Defeating U22 China
U22 Vietnam defeated U22 China with a minimal score of 1-0 in the opening match of the China Panda Cup 2025 friendly tournament. Evaluating the match, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said: “First of all, I want to congratulate the U22 Vietnam players.
This was a match where the entire team demonstrated fighting spirit, organization, and bravery throughout the 90 minutes.
The 1-0 victory is not just a result, but a reward for thorough preparation, adherence to tactics, and tactical discipline. The players played focused and cohesive.”
When asked by reporters about what he was most satisfied with in the match, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh replied: “It’s the clear improvement in high pressing ability, transitions, and group defense organization. These are the elements we have trained very carefully recently.”
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh speaks after the match (Photo: Panda Cup 2025).
U22 Vietnam had previously lost 1-2 and drawn 1-1 against U22 China in their two most recent encounters. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh pointed out the factor that led to the victory for the “Golden Star Warriors” in this confrontation, saying: “U22 Vietnam was proactive.
Previously, we often got caught up in the opponent’s rhythm. But today, U22 Vietnam proactively pressed, maintained defensive spacing, and knew how to control the game.
Additionally, the players showed discipline, patience, and bravery at crucial moments, especially towards the end of the match. I must also say that the coaching staff thoroughly analyzed the opponent, adjusted tactics more flexibly, and the players executed those intentions correctly on the field.”
