Expectations for Vietnam U17 team

After the regrettable 1-1 draw of U17 Vietnam against U17 UAE and missing out on the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, coach Cristiano Roland said: “Football always has unexpected developments at the last minute. We have prepared very carefully for this important match. The players played with all their strength and solidarity. Even though we could not go on, I am still very proud of the performance of the whole team.”

He also affirmed that: “From the first days of training until the tournament and the final match, the whole team has continuously developed. The players have not only matured professionally but also nurtured greater aspirations for their careers. They are the future of Vietnamese football.

In the dressing room after the game, I told the players to keep their heads up. The most important thing at their age is to gain experience and keep their spirits up. We still have a long way to go, and this journey has only just begun.”

The U17 Vietnam team could not complete the goal, however, looking at the performance of the young players in the matches against stronger opponents, it brought many positive signals. The players not only followed the tactics but also showed a confident spirit. In the two matches against U17 Australia and U17 Japan, although we were behind, we were able to score an equalizer with reasonable play.

Another issue that was pointed out is that we are successful in using foreign coaches in the youth team. Previously, there was a period when coach Graechen was successful with the U19 Hoang Anh Gia Lai and U19 Vietnam teams. After that, the youth team was mainly led by domestic coaches.

The fact that VFF chooses foreign experts for the youth generation brings impressions and is also a suggestion in youth training. Because foreign coaches with experience and a deep knowledge base, with practicality, will be very helpful for Vietnamese youth football. It is clear that the football thinking of young Vietnamese players has changed a lot from the U17 Asian tournament.

His ability to inspire and build a style of play for his players is also a mark. Mr. Cristiano Roland once shared after the draw with Japan U17: “We have talked a lot about the never-give-up spirit of Vietnam U17, so I will not mention it anymore. In terms of expertise, I see that no player does not understand the tactical intention. All of them play according to the preparation of the coaching staff, are very disciplined and try their best to the end.”

The Vietnam U17 team will have many more opportunities to win tickets to the World Cup as Asia has 8 slots and the tournament takes place once a year. That is the motivation for VFF to continue investing in youth football in the country.

As commentator Quang Tung stated, this is the basis for creating great confidence for this generation and coach Roland to continue to strive to go further in their career path. Looking more broadly, that is the way Vietnamese football needs to aim for: sustainable development from the young generation, methodical investment and long-term strategy.

Leaving this tournament, the U17 Vietnam players have every right to hold their heads high. This could be the next generation of quality players for Vietnamese football.

Bui Vi Hao begins rehabilitation exercises
Bui Vi Hao completed a major surgery. Photo: FBNV
On April 11, striker Bui Vi Hao shared on his personal page about his injury surgery. "An unexpected but grateful turning point. I just had surgery after a torn ankle ligament and a broken fibula. The injury happened so suddenly, while I was focusing on the big goal ahead. At that time, I was very worried. Not because of the pain - but because of the unfinished things, the matches I couldn't participate in, and the feeling of helplessness when I couldn't do anything more," he expressed. The striker born in 2003 sent his thanks to the doctors, technicians, and nurses of the hospital who took care of him both physically and mentally when facing a serious injury. "Now, what I can do is focus on recovery. Even though I can't be with my teammates on the field right now, I will still follow every step of the team. And I believe that when I return, I will be stronger and more mature. Thank you to everyone who texted, called, and sent wishes. I appreciate every word. See you on the field!", Vi Hao shared.
Vi Hao is expected to be out of action for 8-10 months. Thus, the 2024-2025 V.League season is considered over for the young striker of Binh Duong club. It is highly likely that he will not be able to join U22 Vietnam in the 2026 U23 Asian qualifiers in September and the 33rd SEA Games at the end of the year. Vi Hao was injured during a training session preparing for the match against Phu Dong Ninh Binh. In an attempt to compete, Vi Hao landed in the wrong position, leading to the injury.
He had surgery on April 3. After a week of rest, the striker will enter the rehabilitation phase.
HH