Chinese newspaper commented when the home team lost to U22 Vietnam

(Dan Tri) - Chinese newspapers had mixed opinions when witnessing the home team suffer defeat against U22 Vietnam in the opening match of the 2025 Panda Cup.

Vietnam U22s won 1-0 against China U22s in the opening match of the Panda Cup friendly tournament in Chengdu last night (November 12). This was the first victory of Vietnam U22s after two matches of only drawing and losing against China U22s.

U22 China controlled the ball more but could not penetrate U22 Vietnam's defense (Photo: Sina).

The victory of U22 Vietnam has received special attention from the Chinese press. Newspaper 163 has an article: "U22 Vietnam is still a huge mountain that U22 China cannot overcome".

In the article, the author emphasized: “U22 China had a disappointing start in the Panda Cup friendly tournament when they suffered a 0-1 defeat against U22 Vietnam. In this match, U22 China's attack lacked sharpness, and the defense made many mistakes. One of them, U22 Vietnam took advantage of Wang Shiqin's mistake to score the only goal.

China U22 entered this tournament with a big loss in terms of personnel when some players from Guangdong, Hubei, Shanghai, Shandong teams could not participate because they were busy competing in the National Sports Festival. Meanwhile, the brightest star Wang Yudong could not participate due to injury.

However, that is not an excuse for failure. The U22 China squad has many national players such as Behram Abduweli, Xu Bin, Wang Shiqin, Hu Hetao and is 4 times more valuable than U22 Vietnam.

However, coach Antonio Puche's team could not launch an attack due to too many bad passes. Striker Behram Abduweli could not even control the ball. With such poor form, it is natural that U22 China could not overcome U22 Vietnam.

The situation where Liu Haofan pushed Bui Vi Hao was quite obvious in the penalty area but the referee did not award U22 Vietnam a penalty (Screenshot).

In another article, 163 newspaper emphasized: “Without the help of the referee, U22 China could have lost more heavily to U22 Vietnam.” This newspaper talked about the controversial situation that occurred in the 84th minute.

Player Liu Haofan pushed Bui Vi Hao quite clearly in the penalty area but the referee did not award a penalty to U22 Vietnam. Newspaper 163 commented: “Liu Haofan pushed his opponent to the ground in the penalty area. Referee Shen Yinhao did not award a penalty but that was the wrong decision. Liu Haofan clearly pushed hard, causing the opponent player to lose balance and fall. That was an undeniable foul. U22 Vietnam should have been awarded a penalty.”

Newspaper 163 quoted comments from some Chinese fans:

“The players lost on the field. The referee was biased. It was a shame.”

"I don't understand why U22 Vietnam was not awarded a penalty in that situation."

“Please referee, make the decision accurately. U22 China does not need such biased decisions.”

“A very obvious push by Liu Haofan. Such biased refereeing is harming the Chinese player.”

Meanwhile, Sohu newspaper commented on the home team's performance: "China U22 controlled the ball well but the attack did not play well. That made the team pay the price with a goal in the 81st minute.

In fact, coach Antonio Puche had prepared very carefully for this tournament when he made a list of 30 players. However, because the tournament coincided with the National Sports Festival, plus many players were injured, U22 China only called up 19 players to compete in the match against U22 Vietnam.

U22 Vietnam celebrates scoring against U22 China (Photo: Sina).

In the first half, U22 China dominated but Wang Bohao and Behram Abduweli missed many good chances. In the second half, U22 China's strikers still showed quite a bit of bad luck, even though coach Antonio Puche sent Xiang Yuwang onto the field.

In the context of the strikers missing opportunities, the defense made mistakes. Wang Shiqin's indecisive clearance created conditions for Minh Phuc to score the only goal of the match. Even in the 84th minute, U22 China was lucky to escape a penalty after Liu Haofan pushed Bui Vi Hao quite clearly in the penalty area.

On Sina, reporter Trieu Vu commented: "I don't understand why the Chinese U22 defense retreated so deep before conceding a goal. At one point, the Chinese U22 only controlled the ball 36%. Remember, for most of the match, Coach Puche's team dominated the game.

It was the fact that U22 China played sluggishly that created conditions for U22 Vietnam to attack and score the only goal. Immediately after conceding the goal, the U22 China defense further revealed their lack of concentration. Liu Haofan pushed the U22 Vietnam striker too blatantly. The referee should have reviewed the slow-motion video.

Reporter Pei Li commented: “China U22 had home field advantage and referee bias but still lost to Vietnam U22. Can you understand why Chinese fans are angry? Don’t use the lack of players as an excuse to cover up China U22’s weakness.”

In the second round, U22 Vietnam will face U22 Uzbekistan, while U22 China will face U22 Korea. Both matches will take place on November 15.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/bao-trung-quoc-binh-luan-khi-doi-nha-that-bai-truoc-u22-viet-nam-20251113015452441.htm