More importantly, Cristiano Roland and his team are creating a real opportunity for their World Cup dream by showcasing the image of a team that knows how to control the game and has the character to win the matches they need to win.
Holding the advantage in the race to the quarter-finals.
Before Group C began, experts generally considered South Korea to be the strongest team, while Vietnam, UAE, and Yemen would compete for the remaining automatic qualification spot for second place, and possibly the wildcard spot for the two best third-placed teams.
The Vietnam U17 team (left) now understands and knows clearly who they are and where they stand on the Asian football map.
Therefore, the match against Yemen holds special significance for Vietnam. If they fail to win against their weaker opponent, all the pressure will fall on the remaining two matches against South Korea and UAE. But if they secure all three points, the dynamics of the entire group will immediately change.
The fact that South Korea drew 1-1 with the UAE made Vietnam's victory even more valuable. After the first round, the Vietnamese team unexpectedly led Group C and held a significant advantage in the race to the quarterfinals.
Returning to the match against Yemen, the Yemen U17 team appeared more dangerous thanks to their speed, individual technique, and direct counter-attacks.
However, looking at the statistics, Vietnam was the team that controlled the game better. Vietnam held possession for 55%, made more passes (346 compared to 279), and had a higher pass accuracy rate (71% compared to 66%).
Vietnam also had a superior number of corner kicks with a ratio of 8-2, indicating that the team frequently got the ball into the opponent's half and maintained more consistent pressure.
Even in terms of chances created, they were equally matched. Yemen had slightly more shots with 12 compared to Vietnam's 10, but both teams had the same number of shots on target: 3 each. U17 Yemen created a sense of danger with individual bursts of brilliance, while Vietnam controlled the game more collectively.
In particular, the foul statistics reveal a significant difference in playing style. Yemen committed 17 fouls and received two yellow cards, while Vietnam only committed 4 fouls throughout the entire match. This shows that the Vietnamese players maintained their composure and playing structure even when drawn into a physically demanding game.
Having the courage to finish the game.
This is perhaps the most positive aspect of the current Vietnam U17 team. They no longer play purely on inspiration like previous generations. They know how to control the pace of the game, maintain their formation, and create opportunities through purposeful combinations such as switching flanks or exploiting gaps behind the opponent's defense.
South Korea U17 (right) struggled to come from behind and draw with UAE U17 in their opening match (Photo: AFC)
Dau Quang Hung's goal in the 77th minute also reflected this. As players from both teams began to tire under the heat in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam remained composed enough to create the decisive moment: an accurate cross, a neat control, and a cool finish. The U17 Vietnam team's style of play wasn't overly flashy, but it possessed the composure to finish the match.
After the first match, the door to qualification is significantly wider open for Vietnam. If they secure more points against South Korea in the second match, they will almost certainly have one foot in the knockout round, meaning they are very close to qualifying for the U17 World Cup. Even if they lose to South Korea, Vietnam will still have an advantage going into the final match against the UAE thanks to the three points they have already earned.
Nevertheless, the challenges ahead remain significant. The Vietnam U17 team lacks many individuals capable of consistently making a difference at the continental level. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities is still a problem, while their physical fitness will continue to be depleted by the demanding schedule and harsh weather conditions. However, the most positive aspect is that the Vietnam U17 team understands and knows who they are and where they stand on the Asian football map.
The Vietnamese team doesn't try to play beautiful football at all costs. They play within their limits, maintain organization, and know how to survive in difficult matches. For Asian youth football, sometimes those are the most important qualities for the U17 Vietnamese team to go far.
The road to the World Cup is still fraught with challenges, but for the first time in years, the Vietnam U17 team is no longer just playing to gain experience. Instead, the Vietnamese boys are truly playing football for a ticket to the world's biggest football event at the U17 level.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/u17-viet-nam-va-canh-cua-world-cup-he-mo-196260507133738347.htm
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