Coach Cristiano Roland: U17 Vietnam played best against Japan

Coach Roland. Photo: Bao Ngoc.

Vietnam U17 had a commendable match when they held Australia U17 to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the 2025 AFC U17 Championship. With 1 point as capital, coach Cristiano Roland and his team confidently entered the next match in Group B, against defending champion Japan U17 on April 7.

Speaking about the draw with Australia, coach Cristiano Roland said: "The first half was really difficult for us. In the second half, when the players got used to the pace of the match, we played better. U17 Vietnam scored goals and had many chances to score.

In this match, U17 Vietnam was lucky, but above all, it was the players' efforts. We had many opportunities to score more goals but failed to take advantage of them. My students played very hard to get 1 point against a strong opponent."

Coach Cristiano Roland praised the fighting spirit of the U17 Vietnam players: "The first half was difficult, but in the second half the players regained their fighting spirit. They did not give up in the face of any difficulties, and made efforts in every move. I am proud of my players. We are confident in what we have shown and will try to play better in the next match."

In the second match of Group B (10pm on April 7), U17 Vietnam will face U17 Japan. Coach Cristiano Roland affirmed that he and his players will prepare the best to achieve the expected results.

"In this group, every match is difficult. But the match with Japan is even more difficult. We still work like that, preparing for each match, in terms of tactics and carefully studying the opponent. Japan is very strong, but U17 Vietnam will have the best preparations," the Brazilian strategist concluded.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-cristiano-roland-u17-viet-nam-choi-tot-nhat-truoc-nhat-ban-post1543344.html