ESPN: 'Vietnam is leading Southeast Asian youth football'

Writer Gabriel Tan of ESPN Asia has praised U23 Vietnam after winning the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship.

U23 Vietnam won the Southeast Asian championship for the third consecutive time - Photo: ANH KHOA

In an in-depth analysis after the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 final, ESPN's website affirmed that U23 Vietnam has firmly consolidated its leading position in youth football in the region.

The 1-0 victory over host Indonesia right at the "fire pan" Gelora Bung Karno not only brought home the third consecutive championship but was also a typical performance of bravery, experience and coolness.

According to ESPN, the core difference between the two teams lies in their character and ability to take advantage of opportunities in decisive moments. This website points out that Cong Phuong's only goal in the 37th minute is the perfect proof of that.

On the contrary, Indonesia squandered golden opportunities. The author especially mentioned the unbelievable miss by main striker Jens Raven in the 5th minute. It was a typical image of the home team's lack of composure in decisive moments, a clear contrast with their opponents.

In addition, ESPN also praised the fighting spirit and composure of U23 Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang Sik's team was described as "always ready to fight, agile and never shy away from 50-50 disputes".

More importantly, the young Vietnamese players kept their heads cool while Indonesia played more and more confused. The disciplined defensive tactics of U23 Vietnam in the second half created two solid "walls", discouraging all efforts of the home team.

The article concluded that the final had all the elements: drama, intensity and emotion. And in the end, the more experienced and courageous team won.

ESPN affirms that with this historic hat-trick of championships, U23 Vietnam has every right to be proud and they are truly leading youth football in Southeast Asia.

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ live and in full onFPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/espn-viet-nam-dang-dan-dau-bong-da-tre-dong-nam-a-20250730173515781.htm