Coming from behind to beat U23 Philippines 2-1, U23 Vietnam enters the final

On the evening of July 25, the U23 Vietnam team defeated the U23 Philippines with a score of 2-1, thereby winning a ticket to the final of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship. This is the third consecutive time that the "Golden Star Warriors" have participated in the final match of the regional tournament.

Xuan Bac was voted the best player of the match with the goal that sealed the 2-1 victory for U23 Vietnam - Photo: VFF

With high morale and the goal of reaching the final, U23 Vietnam poured forward to attack right from the opening whistle. Coach Kim Sang Sik's team continuously created dangerous situations, including two times the ball found the U23 Philippines goal post after shots by Dinh Bac and Anh Quan.

However, before they could capitalize on their advantage, the red team unexpectedly conceded a goal in the 36th minute after a throw-in and a shaky handling of the ball in the penalty area. Mariona took advantage of the opportunity to score a close-range shot into the Vietnamese net.

Not faltering after conceding the goal, the U23 Vietnam players immediately responded. In the 41st minute, from Phi Hoang's precise cross, Dinh Bac headed the ball into the post and quickly finished, equalizing 1-1 for the home team.

In the second half, U23 Philippines proactively pushed up their formation, but coach Kim Sang Sik's team was the one who took better advantage of the opportunities.

In the 54th minute, Xuan Bac jumped high and headed the ball dangerously after a pass from Phi Hoang, raising the score to 2 - 1. Although there were a few more chances after that, especially Van Thuan's unfortunate miss in the 78th minute, U23 Vietnam still maintained the fragile gap until the referee blew the final whistle.

The match ended with a red card for Rosquillo (U23 Philippines) after a foul on Quoc Viet. Despite many difficulties, U23 Vietnam still showed their bravery and resilient fighting spirit to win the right to play in the final match for the third consecutive time in the regional tournament - where they are the defending champions.

Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team are facing a historic opportunity to make a “golden hat-trick” at the Southeast Asian U23 Championship. Vietnam U23’s opponent in the final match will be determined after the remaining semi-final match between Thailand U23 and Indonesia U23.

According to NDĐT

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/loi-nguoc-dong-2-1-truoc-u23-philippines-u23-viet-nam-vao-chung-ket-196244.htm