Boldly innovating, aiming for the World Cup.

VTC News•13/10/2023

The success of Vietnamese football during the 2017-2022 period is the result of changes in youth training in the preceding years. Now, to take another step forward and realize the dream of participating in the World Cup in 2026 or beyond, Vietnamese football must continue to create and nurture the next generation following in the footsteps of Cong Phuong and Quang Hai. Finding the direction to do this is the task of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) in its 9th term.

Returning to square one means facing many difficulties and pressures. In the first year of the new executive committee's term, Vietnamese youth football has not achieved good results in tournaments. However, the VFF remains steadfast because the important goal is a long-term journey.

A turning point

In 2023, the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) made some important and somewhat bold decisions regarding youth football. Firstly, at a time when tournaments such as the 19th Asian Games, the 2024 U23 Asian Championship qualifiers, and the 2023 Southeast Asian U23 Championship were taking place very close together, coinciding with the domestic league schedule, the VFF decided to use three national teams with significantly different personnel. This was unprecedented.

Many young players are being given opportunities in the Vietnam U23 team and the Vietnam national team.

Firstly, managers understand the need to balance the interests of the national team and the clubs. Therefore, it's impossible to call up all the best young players for an unofficial tournament like the Southeast Asian U23 Championship. Conversely, this is an opportunity for young players born between 2003 and 2006, who can develop strongly and reach their peak before the 2030 World Cup.

Therefore, Coach Hoang Anh Tuan, as the most successful domestic coach in youth football, was entrusted with leading the Vietnam U23 team. He boldly gave opportunities to many players such as Manh Hung, Nguyen Hoang, Minh Quang, Dang Duong, Huu Tuan, and Le Dinh Long Vu. Furthermore, this was a platform to help some players who were not in good form, such as Van Chuan, Van Khang, and Quoc Viet, rediscover their potential.

At the 19th Asian Games, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) implemented a strategy of using mostly U20 players – those who will truly enter their peak career phase in the next 3-6 years. In reality, with not many young players able to secure a place in the V-League, this is a logical step.

Furthermore, the regular training and participation in international tournaments by youth teams is also an effort by football administrators. Young players need as much playing time as possible to develop quickly.

Be bold in innovation and accept criticism.

In reality, a single championship title at the Southeast Asian U23 Championship is not enough to satisfy the fans and public demand more from the Vietnamese youth teams. The U20 and U17 Vietnamese teams left some impression at the Asian Championships, but ultimately failed to advance beyond the group stage. Similarly, the Vietnamese Olympic team also bowed out early at the 19th Asian Games.

It is a risk in terms of performance when the VFF accepts selecting players younger than the prescribed limit to participate in tournaments.

Vietnamese youth football still has a lot of work to do.

After the 19th Asian Games in China, coach Hoang Anh Tuan frankly shared with VTC News: " It's true that we faced pressure from public opinion when the teams weren't successful in terms of results. But this is understandable; fans always yearn to see their players win."

However, the youth football strategy that the VFF is currently implementing is absolutely correct. Young players need many international matches to mature more quickly. I myself am very honored to contribute to Vietnamese football in this way, even though I myself have felt pressured and tired at times. But aiming for the World Cup is not a matter of one or two days; it is a long-term journey for Vietnamese football ."

To aim for the World Cup, Vietnamese football probably needs more investment and, above all, patience from football administrators and fans. Recent youth tournaments show that the players have not yet reached the top level in the continent. Therefore, Vietnamese youth football in general and the national team in particular still have much work to do to achieve the big dream set by the 9th term of the VFF.

Mai Phuong

Source