U22 Vietnam has established a solid foundation for SEA Games 33.

17/11/2025 06:53:00 ceshi

Based on their performance, the U22 Vietnam team conveys a message: they are well-prepared for SEA Games 33 and have made the right choices in shaping the national team for the near future.

1. The Panda Cup international friendly tournament in China is a moment for U22 Vietnam to continue their journey of self-improvement to achieve upcoming goals. Recalling March this year at the CFA Team China 2025 tournament in China, U22 Vietnam played three quality matches, drawing consecutively against South Korea, Uzbekistan, and China. This time, at the Panda Cup with the same opponents, U22 Vietnam had an impressive start, winning 1-0 against the host U22 China. The narrow 0-1 defeat to U22 Uzbekistan exposed some persistent weaknesses but also revealed the squad depth and commendable courage of the young players.

Choosing to participate in two friendly tournaments alongside Asia’s top youth teams like South Korea, China, and Uzbekistan was a brave but correct decision by the VFF and coach Kim Sang Sik. Both the CFA Team China 2025 in March and the current Panda Cup are tough competitive environments and tests of player adaptability, necessary before pursuing the goal of gold at SEA Games 33 for Vietnamese football.

Compared to CFA Team China 2025, U22 Vietnam’s Panda Cup squad was given higher priority, gathering more outstanding players. Coach Kim Sang Sik mobilized the best talents within the age group, carefully filtered through multiple training camps and international matches. Several players with national team experience, such as Trần Trung Kiên, Khuất Văn Khang, and Nguyễn Đình Bắc, continued to participate alongside key members who played important roles in winning the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and qualifying for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals, including Nguyễn Phi Hoàng, Nguyễn Xuân Bắc, Lê Văn Thuận, Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn, Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ, Võ Anh Quân, Phạm Lý Đức, along with newcomer Phạm Minh Phúc.

Opponents like U22 Uzbekistan (left) served as an excellent “test” for U22 Vietnam ahead of SEA Games 33. Photo: VFF

2. Matches like these are not only about results but also serve to verify a thorough preparation process, compliance with tactics, and strategic discipline. The players performed with focus, controlled the tempo, and managed crucial moments well. The most pleasing progress was the clear improvement in full pressing, transitional play, and group defensive organization.

The biggest difference lies in the team’s playing mindset and proactivity. Previously, we were often swept along by the opponent’s rhythm. Now, U22 Vietnam actively presses, maintains formation spacing, and knows how to control the game with effective ball circulation. Moreover, the players showed disciplined spirit, patience, and courage in critical moments, especially in the final stages of the match.

This is not only the result of participating together in previous tournaments but also shows that the young players are increasingly resilient mentally when facing stronger opponents. However, these tests against quality opponents also clearly reveal persistent weaknesses. The ability to handle the ball in decisive situations and sharpness in finishing remain the biggest flaws. Against well-organized defenses, the young Vietnamese players failed to convert created chances successfully.

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These are hard-earned lessons and mandatory criteria to perfect if U22 Vietnam wants to compete fairly in larger tournaments such as the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals. All this helps the coaching staff accurately assess the team’s strength and supports the young players’ development for future challenges.

One more match remains against the very strong U22 South Korea to finalize the structure for SEA Games 33. Importantly, on the journey toward SEA Games 33 in Thailand, U22 Vietnam is on the right track, maturing and becoming more cohesive.

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