U.23 Vietnam 0-1 U.23 Korea, Panda Cup 2025: Kim Myeong-jun opens the score

U.23 Vietnam has a chance to win the Panda Cup 2025 championship if it defeats U.23 Korea in the match taking place at 2:30 p.m. today (November 18).

U.23 Vietnam determined to win

U.23 Vietnam has gone through 2 matches at the Panda Cup 2025 CFA Team China friendly tournament (held in Chengdu, China) with positive results.

In the opening match, the team of acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh defeated U.23 China 1-0, thanks to a goal by Pham Minh Phuc. In the second match, although losing to U.23 Uzbekistan 0-1, U.23 Vietnam played well, created many opportunities and only lacked luck to score.

With China U23 surprisingly beating South Korea U23 2-0 in the second round, the championship race is very complicated. All 4 teams have 3 points, only different in goal difference.

U.23 Vietnam has 3 points after 2 matches at Panda Cup 2025

PHOTO: VFF

Leading the table is U.23 China with a goal difference of +1 (scored 2 goals, conceded 1 goal). Second in the table is U.23 Korea with a goal difference of 0 (scored 2 goals, conceded 2 goals). Third in the table is U.23 Vietnam also with a goal difference of 0 (scored 1 goal, conceded 1 goal). At the bottom of the table is U.23 Uzbekistan with a goal difference of -1. In the final match, U.23 Vietnam will face U.23 Korea at 2:30 p.m. on November 18, while U.23 China will meet U.23 Uzbekistan at 6:35 p.m. on November 18. To win the championship, U.23 Vietnam needs to satisfy the necessary condition, which is to defeat U.23 Korea to take 3 points, then wait for a favorable ending in the match between U.23 China and U.23 Uzbekistan.

The last time they met in an official tournament, U.23 Vietnam drew 1-1 with U.23 Korea (2022 AFC U-23 Championship). Earlier this year, also at a friendly tournament in China, U.23 Vietnam led 1-0 against U.23 Korea until the last minute, before regretfully losing the victory.

"U.23 Korea is a high-quality team, moving a lot and having good speed. U.23 Vietnam plays more organized, maintains the formation distance and improves the quality in the final stages. At the same time, we will continue to create opportunities for players who need more playing time," said acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh.

U.23 Vietnam gradually improves with each match

PHOTO: MINH TU

U.23 Vietnam will have to brace themselves against the pressing power, with the quick and sharp tackles of U.23 Korea (a team that can play harder than U.23 Uzbekistan). The defense also needs to concentrate against the "air attacks" of the very strong strikers of the Korean side.

However, U.23 Vietnam has prepared mentally. After 2 tense matches, Mr. Dinh Hong Vinh's machine has "heated up".

U.23 Vietnam will play their best to surprise the strongest young team in Asia. This is an important step to prepare for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U.23 Championship finals.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-viet-nam-0-0-u23-han-quoc-panda-cup-2025-quyet-vuot-nui-cao-185251118090009194.htm