Southeast Asian fans' reactions after U23 Vietnam entered the final

(Dan Tri) - Many Southeast Asian fans admitted that the U23 Vietnam team demonstrated the champion's mettle when they came from behind to defeat U23 Philippines in the semi-finals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament.

Excellent comeback to defeat Philippines, U23 Vietnam won the right to enter the final

"Thank you U23 Philippines players! The result was still great even though we lost to the defending champions.

We are very worthy of a place in the top 4 of the tournament. Good luck to the U23 Vietnam team in the final match!", Jayson Jumuad Serna commented on the Asean Football page after the U23 Vietnam team's comeback victory over the Philippines U23 with a score of 2-1 in the semi-final match of the U23 Southeast Asia 2025 at Bung Karno Stadium (Indonesia) on the evening of July 25.

U23 Vietnam came from behind to defeat U23 Philippines to win the right to play in the final match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament (Photo: VFF).

Despite having a better game, U23 Vietnam unexpectedly conceded the first goal in the 35th minute. From a high pass from U23 Philippines in the penalty area, the ball bounced around and Javier Mariona quickly finished from close range, sending the ball past goalkeeper Trung Kien.

However, just 6 minutes later, coach Kim Sang Sik's team equalized with their familiar "weapon", which was aerial combat. From a cross from the left wing, Dinh Bac headed the ball into the post, then he quickly rushed in and scored the rebound into the U23 Philippines net.

In the second half, U23 Vietnam dominated the game. In the 53rd minute, also from a cross from the left wing, Xuan Bac made a beautiful header into the net of U23 Philippines. U23 Vietnam created many more chances in the remaining minutes but the score of 2-1 remained until the last minute.

This victory helps U23 Vietnam qualify for the final match against U23 Indonesia (the team that defeated U23 Thailand in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout a few hours later) taking place at 8:00 p.m. on July 29.

"Congratulations to U23 Vietnam. Anyway, the U23 Philippines players had a good match. We can expect another top 4 match in the upcoming SEA Games. Forget Malaysia, they will not make it past the group stage," commented Roy Ke from the Philippines.

"U23 Philippines played well, but U23 Vietnam is at a higher level. Hopefully the final will be a confrontation between U23 Indonesia and U23 Vietnam," commented Joko Risdiyanto from Indonesia when the semi-final match between the archipelago nation and the "War Elephants" was still undecided in both regular and extra time.

"A good match by U23 Philippines. Unfortunately, you guys lacked a bit of luck. Congratulations to U23 Vietnam, you guys showed the mettle of the defending champions of the tournament," Andrie Kasella said.

"Congratulations to U23 Vietnam. Wish you guys continued luck in the final match to defend the title. U23 Philippines tried very hard but it was difficult for them when their opponents were still at a higher level," commented account Rechie Oliver Laurel.

"As I expected, the dream final between U23 Indonesia and U23 Vietnam. Can U23 Indonesia overthrow the throne of the "Golden Dragon"? The match will be very exciting and interesting, worth waiting to see", Bayu Permana concluded.

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

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/phan-ung-cua-cdv-dong-nam-a-sau-khi-u23-viet-nam-vao-chung-ket-20250725230642051.htm