Malaysian newspaper comments on home team's breathless competition with U17 Vietnam

In the 4th match of Group C of the U17 Asian qualifiers, U17 Malaysia won 2-1 against U17 Singapore, while U17 Vietnam also won U17 Macau (China) with a score of 4-0. Thus, both teams have 12 points after 4 matches, but U17 Vietnam is ranked higher thanks to a better goal difference (+26 vs +20).

This is a very exciting race. U17 Vietnam will meet U17 Malaysia in the decisive match on November 30. The advantage belongs to coach Cristiano Roland's team as they only need a draw to qualify for the Asian Cup.

Commenting on the race between the home team and U17 Vietnam, Makan Bola wrote: “The qualifying round of the U17 Asian Cup is taking place quite excitingly. U17 Malaysia beat U17 Singapore but then, U17 Vietnam also defeated U17 Macau.

Only the top team in the group will qualify for the U17 Asian Cup. Therefore, the match between U17 Malaysia and U17 Vietnam on November 30 will decide the only ticket in Group C. It will be an uncompromising match.”

The Bharian newspaper headlined: “U17 Malaysia moves closer to the U17 Asian Cup”. In the article, the author emphasized: “U17 Singapore is the fourth victim of U17 Malaysia in the U17 Asian Cup qualifiers. Previously, U17 Macau, U17 Hong Kong (China), U17 Northern Mariana Islands all lost to coach Javier Jorda Ribera and his team.

U17 Malaysia has been on the right track recently and is getting closer to a ticket to the U17 Asian tournament. The final challenge for U17 Malaysia is the host team U17 Vietnam. The two teams will meet in the match for the top spot and a ticket to the U17 Asian tournament on November 30th.

Báo Malaysia bình luận khi đội nhà đua tranh nghẹt thở với U17 Việt Nam - 2 — U17 Malaysia fiercely chased U17 Vietnam (Photo: AFC).

Stadium Astro newspaper wrote: “U17 Malaysia needs another win to qualify for the U17 Asian Cup”. In it, they admitted that U17 Malaysia is at a disadvantage due to the lower goal difference compared to U17 Vietnam. Therefore, coach Javier Jorda Ribera’s team must win the decisive match against U17 Vietnam to qualify for the Asian Cup”.

Coach Cristiano Roland: "U17 Vietnam will prepare carefully for the match with Malaysia"

Speaking after the victory over U17 Macau, coach Cristiano Roland said: “As planned before the match, the players performed well and achieved the goal. I am very happy about that.

In addition, the 23 players are always ready to compete at any time. That is thanks to their good physical condition and reasonable tactical awareness. The players know how to move and cover appropriately. The team has not conceded any goals after 4 matches. I hope that will continue when U17 Vietnam meets U17 Malaysia in the last round."

Mr. Roland hopes that the whole team will improve their concentration and caution when meeting U17 Malaysia. The Brazilian coach said: “Like other matches, U17 Vietnam needs to prepare and study the opponents carefully. The coaching staff will provide detailed information so that the players can better understand the upcoming opponents. This is like a final match with U17 Vietnam. I will prepare my players well. U17 Vietnam will enter the final match in the best and most disciplined way.”