U.17 Vietnam returned home on April 12, ending an emotional and proud journey!

Significant progress in less than a year

Before the 2025 AFC U-17 Championship began, perhaps even the most optimistic fans could hardly imagine that Vietnam U-17 would play on par with very strong opponents such as Japan, Australia and UAE.

Vietnam U17 is creating a memorable journey at the 2025 AFC U17 Championship with emotional and resilient matches. The young team had 2 draws with the same score of 1-1 against Australia U17 and Japan U17, in which the draw against defending champion Japan was an important turning point, marking the remarkable maturity of the players. Facing a strong opponent, with an attack considered the most dangerous in Asia, Vietnam U17 showed rare resilience when not only knowing how to persistently defend but also knowing how to take advantage of the opponent's mistakes to score, even though the match time was only counted in minutes.

U.17 Vietnam ended the group stage with 3 draws.

PHOTO: AFC

Remember, just a year ago, the Vietnam U.17 team suffered a heavy defeat against Indonesia in the semi-finals of the 2024 Southeast Asian U.16 Championship, or even failed to win against Cambodia U.16 in the group stage.

However, things changed quickly. When coach Cristiano Roland took the "hot seat" and a "revolution" was created. With a new coaching philosophy, focusing on physical strength, psychology and tactics, coach Roland breathed new life into the team, making U.17 Vietnam a tough team, with a tight and persistent playing style.

Coach Cristiano Roland brings a new breeze to U.17 Vietnam

PHOTO: VFF

Coach Roland is very "cool" with youth football

PHOTO: AFC

Outstanding individuals of U.17 Vietnam

This progress has been clearly demonstrated through victories over strong opponents such as Japan, Uzbekistan, and Oman in friendly matches, along with important draws against Japan and Australia.

In the U.17 Asian qualifiers taking place in October 2024, U.17 Vietnam drew 0-0 in the opening match against U.17 Kyrgyzstan at home stadium Viet Tri (Phu Tho), then beat U.17 Myanmar with a score of 2-0, drew U.17 Yemen 1-1 and entered the final round as one of the 5 best second-placed teams.

Coming to the finals, the progress of U.17 Vietnam under the guidance of coach Roland was even more evident. The defense of U.17 Vietnam had excellent individuals, with center back Le Huy Viet Anh standing out.

Hoang Trong Duy Khang (number 7) is considered 'little Trong Hoang'

PHOTO: VFF

In the attack, Hoang Trong Duy Khang is a bright spot. The young player possesses skillful techniques, the ability to dribble and handle the ball boldly. One of the most memorable moments was a shot from a tight angle into the Australian U.17 net, demonstrating Duy Khang's confidence and decisiveness in decisive situations. Along with Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc, Duy Khang is the important "fuse" in the sharp counter-attacks of Vietnam U.17.

Another bright spot in the squad is Tran Gia Bao, the youngest striker to ever score in the V-League. With his skill and determination, Gia Bao brought home an important penalty in the match against Japan U.17 and successfully converted it himself, helping Vietnam U.17 retain a valuable point. This is a clear demonstration of the confidence and ability to cope with great pressure that our young players are increasingly showing.

Gia Bao also attracts female fans because of his outstanding appearance.

PHOTO: VFF

"Each coach has different strategies and ways of using players, but for me, as long as I get to play, whether in the first half or the second half, starting or coming off the bench, I will always play my best according to the tactics set out by the coach," Gia Bao shared.

There is much to look forward to.

Vietnam has participated in the AFC U-17 Championship (formerly U-16) a total of 8 times, with the highest achievement being reaching fourth place in 2000, but has yet to win a ticket to the World Cup. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, Thailand has participated in the U-17 World Cup twice in 1997 and 1999, while Indonesia will participate in the tournament in 2023 as hosts. A win against U-17 UAE in the final match of the group stage of the AFC U-17 Championship will help U-17 Vietnam to participate in the world's largest playground for this age group for the first time.

But unfortunately, that dream did not come true. Having opened the scoring quite early thanks to Hoang Trong Duy Khang and playing steadily and resiliently for most of the remaining time, Hazaa Faisal's dangerous close-range header in the final minutes of the second half to equalize the score also caused the ticket to the U.17 World Cup to slip away from the hands of U.17 Vietnam.

Number 7 of U.17 Vietnam shined brightly

PHOTO: AFC

However, we must still praise the indomitable fighting spirit of the young players. In just a short time, U.17 Vietnam has demonstrated a tight, scientific and brave playing style, defeating strong opponents, and showing resilience in every move.

The U.17 Asia journey has ended but there are many things to expect from this generation of players.

PHOTO: AFC

Although this journey ended in regret, what coach Roland and his team left behind is still a great source of inspiration. It is a young, united team, ready to face any challenge. And who knows, from today's failure, a new golden generation is being nurtured and matured, ready to conquer bigger dreams.

On April 12, the U.17 Vietnam team will return home and a bright future awaits!

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u17-viet-nam-ve-nuoc-ngay-124-khep-lai-hanh-trinh-day-cam-xuc-vui-buon-185250410205823269.htm