An Asian team scored 2 historic goals but conceded 136 goals against.

Besides the impressive form of Vietnam's U17 squad, the U17 Asian qualifiers highlighted the difficult path of another youth team.

This year's U17 Asian qualifiers concluded with many contrasting stories, creating very different narratives among the participating teams. While Vietnamese fans were still thrilled by the inspiring journey of the Vietnam U17 squad, the overall picture of the tournament surprisingly featured a case that drew attention for entirely different reasons.

The team in question is the U17 Guam squad, which, over three consecutive qualification tournaments since 2022, has played a total of 12 matches and had to concede as many as 136 goals, averaging more than 11 goals allowed per game. Their defense has constantly been overwhelmed, nearly swept away by the superior physicality, speed, and technique of most opponents in the Asian region.

Not only have they conceded many goals, but U17 Guam’s attacking ability has also nearly frozen. The team managed to score only 2 goals throughout three tournaments, a figure described as “two historic goals” because very few teams in Asia have such a low scoring rate. A shortage of young talent and limited competitive environment means they always enter matches with a completely disadvantaged mindset.

Looking back at the group stages, statistics show that U17 Guam frequently suffered heavy defeats. From losses of 0-33 against Tajikistan, 0-18 against Oman to matches ending 0-14, 0-11, or 0-10 against more evenly matched opponents, the overall picture shows they are almost unable to compete. Most of the time, the team just tries to maintain their formation and minimize goals conceded.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s U17 team created a completely opposite image in the 2026 qualifiers. The team scored 30 goals, kept a clean sheet, and won all five matches. Their 14-0 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands and 4-0 win against Malaysia highlighted the difference in class and long-term investment in Vietnamese youth football.

Witnessing the stark contrast between one side thriving and the other deeply struggling, many experts believe U17 Guam needs a comprehensive rebuilding strategy. These heavy defeats not only reflect skill disparities but also reveal gaps in infrastructure development, youth training, and international competition experience among Asian countries.

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