U17 Vietnam and the triumph of belief

01/12/2025 07:53:00 pandatv

The 4-0 win against U17 Malaysia not only earned U17 Vietnam the only qualifying spot from Group C to the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals but also served as a strong endorsement of faith in the youth squad.

Although the match was considered the "group’s final," Coach Roland’s side transformed U17 Malaysia into a training opponent. The young players under the Brazilian coach displayed effortless football, overpowering their rivals right from the opening moments.

Playing at their home ground PVF, U17 Vietnam thrilled their supporters by thoroughly dominating the toughest opponent in the group. Consequently, Coach Roland’s team completed the qualifiers with a perfect record of 5 wins, 15 points, 30 goals scored, and no goals conceded. These statistics speak volumes, highlighting superiority in skill, fitness, and competitive spirit.

Before the match, the situation in Group C gave a clear advantage to U17 Vietnam, who led with a +26 goal difference and needed only a draw to secure qualification. Conversely, U17 Malaysia was compelled to win.

Besides the ranking advantage, U17 Vietnam also drew strength from playing on home soil. However, at youth level, the pressure of decisive matches can sometimes undermine such benefits. Ultimately, it was the technical aspect that laid the foundation for U17 Vietnam’s utmost confidence going into the game.

Looking back at their journey, U17 Vietnam impressed both offensively and defensively. Yet, as acknowledged by the coaching staff, previous opponents lacked sharp attacking organization, so the defense had not faced significant challenges. The crucial test was the chasing rival U17 Malaysia, which served as a true measure of their quality.

U17 Malaysia entered the match with a potent attack, led by Iman Danish’s 7 goals in 4 games, employing a versatile style exploiting both central and wide areas. Early dangerous attempts by Nabil showed the visitors were no pushovers. Yet, in critical moments, U17 Vietnam’s resilience shone through by maintaining good team shape, executing sharp counterattacks, and finishing with remarkable composure.

The dominant victory in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers highlights the immense potential of the current U17 Vietnam squad. Photo: Hoàng Linh

The opening goal in the 4th minute exemplified tactical efficiency. From a long cross by Nguyễn Lực, center-back Mạnh Cường demonstrated his scoring knack in this tournament by arriving at the right moment to slot the ball into an empty net. This early goal gave a huge boost and dismantled Malaysia’s initial plan. The opponents had to push forward, allowing Vietnam’s transition play to flourish.

In the following 15 minutes, U17 Malaysia pressed hard and even created one-on-one chances, but goalkeeper Lý Xuân Hòa’s brilliance and solid defensive coverage kept a clean sheet. On the other end, U17 Vietnam continuously launched dangerous counterattacks, with two shots hitting the post from Đại Nhân and Văn Dương.

The second goal at the 43rd minute reflected U17 Vietnam’s well-organized play. Nguyễn Lực continued to orchestrate the ball, while Văn Dương made a timely run and delivered a precise cross for Anh Hào to finish.

The second half showcased the young players’ determination and excitement. Leading 2-0 did not slow U17 Vietnam down; they sustained pressure and added two more goals at the 50th minute by Văn Dương and Sỹ Bách. These goals resulted from both individual skill and cohesive team coordination. Notably, Sỹ Bách’s goal was a product of strong will and speed, steering the match exactly as U17 Vietnam intended. Their convincing win was built on a foundation of clear superiority.

U17 Vietnam’s resounding victory over the toughest group opponent answered all doubts about the true strength of Coach Roland’s team. The former Hà Nội FC player’s influence is evident throughout the U17 squad.

Their style is disciplined, with rapid transitions, well-planned personnel use, and exploitation of the opponent’s defensive weaknesses. Coach Roland adopts a methodical attacking approach, reads the game well, and especially helps young players stay calm under intense pressure. This is a quality that Vietnamese youth football has lacked for many years.

The 4-0 win over Malaysia not only secured U17 Vietnam’s place in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals but also confirmed the great potential of this generation. Growth in skills, mental strength, and statistical effectiveness all indicate a well-structured development path. If properly invested in, this group could produce key players who will significantly impact the future of Vietnamese football.

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