U.23 Philippines vs. Philippines in the semi-finals: History is leaning towards U.23 Vietnam

The semi-final match between U.23 Vietnam and U.23 Philippines at the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament will take place on July 25. With stable performance and superior head-to-head record, U.23 Vietnam is rated higher in this important match.

U.23 Vietnam is unbeaten against U.23 Philippines in the past 11 years.

Fate brings U.23 Vietnam to face U.23 Philippines in the semi-finals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Championship. This match will take place at 4:00 p.m. on July 25. This is an opportunity for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to continue to assert their position in the regional arena, as the young Philippine team is still considered "underdog" in terms of both squad quality and head-to-head record.

After 14 years (from 2011 to present), U.23 Vietnam has never lost to U.23 Philippines. Specifically, at the 2011 SEA Games, U.23 Vietnam won convincingly 3-1. At the 2021 SEA Games (taking place in 2022), U.23 Vietnam under the leadership of coach Park Hang-seo drew 0-0 with U.23 Philippines. Most recently, at the 2023 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament, U.23 Vietnam won by a minimum score of 1-0.

U.23 Vietnam is getting closer to the goal of defending the Southeast Asian championship.

PHOTO: NGUYEN KHANG

After the last 3 meetings, U.23 Vietnam won 2 and drew 1 against U.23 Philippines. This number clearly reflects the difference between the two football backgrounds at the youth level, as well as shows the mettle of U.23 Vietnam players when competing in regional tournaments.

Coach Kim Sang-sik encouraged his players: 'Play the match against the Philippines like the final'

Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are "upper hand"

In this year's tournament, U.23 Vietnam is considered to have played more stably, with a squad consisting of many players who have experience in the V-League and the national team. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, the red team built a disciplined playing style, controlled the midfield well and created great pressure on the opponent's field.

Meanwhile, the fact that U.23 Philippines passed the group stage is considered quite surprising. In the opening match, U.23 Philippines caused a shock with a 2-0 victory over U.23 Malaysia. However, U.23 Philippines' performance still had many limitations. With what they have shown, U.23 Vietnam entered the semi-final match with a clear "upper hand". A victory not only helps U.23 Vietnam advance to the final, but also affirms the mettle of the defending champion, with the ambition to defend the throne.

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

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dau-u23-philippines-o-ban-ket-lich-su-nghieng-han-ve-u23-viet-nam-185250723174435454.htm