U22 Vietnam vs U22 South Korea: 14:30 on Tuesday, 18/11, Hanoi time.

The Panda Cup 2025 currently sees hosts China, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Vietnam all tied with 3 points after two matches. China leads the group with a +1 goal difference, while Uzbekistan is at the bottom with a -1 goal difference. South Korea and Vietnam also have a 0 goal difference, but South Korea ranks second due to scoring two goals compared to Vietnam's one.

The tournament regulations prioritize head-to-head goal difference after points, followed by overall goal difference. To win the championship, Vietnam must defeat South Korea and hope the other match ends in a draw, or that the winning team scores fewer goals or has a lower goal difference. In the two previous editions of the tournament, Vietnam finished third overall.

Vietnam midfielder Khuat Van Khang (red jersey) controls the ball during the 1-1 draw against South Korea in the final group stage match of the U23 Asia 2022, at Lokomotiv Stadium, Uzbekistan on 5/6/2022. Photo: Lam Thoa.

Vietnam midfielder Khuat Van Khang (red jersey) controls the ball during the 1-1 draw against South Korea in the final group stage match of the U23 Asia 2022, at Lokomotiv Stadium, Uzbekistan on 5/6/2022. Photo: Lam Thoa.

Historically, Vietnam has never defeated South Korea at the U22 or U23 level. Since their first encounter in the ASIAD 2006 qualifiers, Vietnam has recorded five losses and three draws against them. However, the two teams drew 1-1 in their two most recent meetings, indicating a growing competitiveness.

In the March Panda Cup, Nguyen Thanh Nhan opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, but Kim Woo-bin equalized in the first minute of second-half injury time. Previously, in the U23 Asia 2022 group stage, Cho Young-wook scored in the 63rd minute, with Vu Tien Long leveling the score in the 83rd minute.

For Vietnam, a win or a draw against a leading Asian football nation like South Korea, at any level or tournament, provides a significant morale boost. Crucially, these matches serve as the final trials in preparation for the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asia 2026 finals. Ahead of the friendly tournament, Vietnam's coaching staff did not prioritize results. The primary objectives are to assess the squad, gain experience, and refine their playing style. However, every player on the field is expected to show determination and prove themselves against strong opponents.

Vietnam (red jersey) lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan in the U22 Panda Cup friendly tournament, at Shuangliu Stadium, Chengdu, Sichuan province, China on 15/11/2025. Photo: UFA.

Vietnam (red jersey) lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan in the U22 Panda Cup friendly tournament, at Shuangliu Stadium, Chengdu, Sichuan province, China on 15/11/2025. Photo: UFA.

Following the 1-0 victory over China and a 0-1 loss to Uzbekistan, acting coach Dinh Hong Vinh wants the team to play more organized football, maintain good team spacing, and improve their finishing against South Korea. He stated, "Some players need more playing time for the coaching staff to evaluate them."

South Korea maintains its characteristic high-pace and aggressive playing style. Coach Lee Min-sung's squad defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 in their opening match. However, a 0-2 loss to China exposed several issues. South Korea also lost 0-1 to China in the March Panda Cup. Captain Kim Dong-jin observed that the entire team lacked focus throughout the match, leading to critical errors that allowed China to score. Subsequently, South Korea rushed their attacks and failed to convert opportunities into goals.

Meanwhile, coach Lee Min-sung views the defeat as a valuable lesson rather than a cause for excessive worry. He stated, "I look forward to facing China in a more official match. Friendlies are merely a part of the training and preparation process. I am not concerned about the team's performance when we enter official tournaments. Let's wait and see how the players perform."

Coach Lee Min-sung (right) shakes hands with a player after South Korea defeated Indonesia 1-0 in the final match of Group J, U23 Asia 2026 qualifiers, at Gelora Delta Stadium, Indonesia on 9/9/2025. Photo: KFA.

Coach Lee Min-sung (right) shakes hands with a player after South Korea defeated Indonesia 1-0 in the final match of Group J, U23 Asia 2026 qualifiers, at Gelora Delta Stadium, Indonesia on 9/9/2025. Photo: KFA.

While Japan often sends U20 or U21 squads to the U23 Asia tournament (when it is not an Olympic qualifier) or ASIAD, South Korea typically calls up its strongest possible team. The difference lies in South Korea's compulsory military service for men. U22/U23 players can earn military service exemptions if they win a gold medal at the U23 Asia tournament, ASIAD, or an Olympic medal.

In reality, South Korea does not have its strongest squad for this training camp. Fourteen players from the team that trained in Saudi Arabia in October are absent. These include several players competing in Europe, such as defender Kang Min-woo (Genk youth team, Belgium), Jo Jin-ho (Konyaspor, Turkey), midfielders Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City, England), Yang Min-hyeok (Portsmouth, England), Lee Hyun-ju (Arouca, Portugal), and Kim Min-su (Andorra, Spain). Additionally, defender Kim Ji-soo, who plays for FC Kaiserlautern in Germany, was initially named but sustained an injury.

The current squad in China includes midfielder Kim Yong-hak, who plays for Portuguese club Portimonense. Additionally, forward Kim Myung-jun (Genk) made an impact by scoring against Uzbekistan in their opening match.

Hieu Luong