U17 Vietnam seeks opportunity to go to World Cup

Vietnam U17 team started their journey at the 2025 AFC U17 Championship with the opening match against Australia U17. Coach Cristiano Roland and his team are in Group B - in addition to the opponent from the land of kangaroos, there are also Japan U17 and UAE U17.

From 2025, the U17 World Cup will increase the number of teams to 48, giving Asia 8 spots. This means that if Vietnam U17 reaches the quarter-finals of the 2025 U17 Asia, they will participate in the world stage for the first time.

Vietnam U17 team actively trained in Saudi Arabia, preparing for the match against Australia U17 on the evening of April 4. Photo: VFF

However, the goal of finishing second in Group B is not easy. Because the opponents in this group are all "heavyweights" with players with outstanding physique and fitness, even championship candidates like U17 Japan. However, youth football always has surprises. U17 Vietnam defeated U17 Japan at the 2023 Peace Cup, and U16 Vietnam beat U16 Australia 3-0 in 2016, so fans have high hopes for U17 Vietnam this time.

The Vietnam U17 team has had training sessions in Saudi Arabia. Head coach Cristiano Roland pays special attention to discipline in playing style and precision and mobility in attacking and defending situations. In addition to being strict on the training ground, the Brazilian coach also always pays attention, encourages and motivates his players. He believes that the Vietnam U17 team will create surprises against higher-rated opponents and achieve the set goals.

Before the opening match against U17 Australia, midfielder Dau Hong Phong said: "Despite the hot weather, the whole team still tried hard to complete the exercises and requirements from the coaching staff. U17 Vietnam is ready both physically and tactically. We are determined to achieve the best results to create a competitive advantage in the race in Group B."

Dau Hong Phong revealed that against strong opponents, U17 Vietnam will prioritize defensive counter-attacking play and make the most of opportunities. Hong Phong is an "anchor" midfielder, highly appreciated for his ability to control and distribute the ball flexibly. In 2024, Hong Phong and the Hanoi U17 team won the National U17 Football Championship, and also won the title of Best Player of the tournament.

The 2025 AFC U17 Championship will take place in Saudi Arabia with 4 groups. The top 2 teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals and also participate in the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.

In Group B, U17 Vietnam will meet U17 Australia today (April 4), then face U17 Japan on April 7 and U17 UAE on April 10.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/u17-viet-nam-tim-co-hoi-den-world-cup-196250403212311877.htm