(Football result) - Vietnam U17 secured a convincing 2-1 victory over Australia to reach the Southeast Asian U17 final.
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The semifinal between Vietnam U17 and Australia U17 began with intense pressure from the Kangaroo team. In the 3rd minute, Miles Edward made a dangerous close-range header after breaking through, fortunately the ball missed the post. By the 11th minute, Australia U17 scored the opening goal thanks to a brilliant moment from Luke Becvinovski with a beautiful turn and shot, the ball struck straight into the top corner leaving the Vietnam U17 goalkeeper no chance to save.
After the early conceded goal, Vietnam U17 gradually regained control and created several notable situations. In the 16th minute, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc had a clear chance to break through but chose to cross instead of shooting, so the opportunity was regrettably missed. In the 24th minute, Vietnam's defense nearly paid the price due to indecisive clearance, allowing Becvinovski a close-range shot but the ball again missed the post.
A major turning point came at the end of the first half when Vietnam U17 successively received controversial situations in the penalty area. In the 39th minute, Le Sy Bach was fouled quite clearly but after consulting VAR, the referee surprisingly denied the penalty. However, in the 45+4 minute of added time, Dai Nhan was fouled again in the box and this time Vietnam U17 was awarded a penalty. Although Dai Nhan's initial shot hit the post, Manh Cuong quickly rushed in to head the rebound and equalized 1-1.
In the second half, Vietnam U17 played with more confidence and sharpness. In the 49th minute, Dai Nhan made a smart breakthrough on the right flank but his narrow-angle shot couldn't beat the Australian goalkeeper. By the 59th minute, from a well-organized free-kick combination, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc finished accurately from close range to raise the score to 2-1. In the remaining time, Australia U17 pushed forward with full force, continuously playing in half-field and crossing from both wings, but Vietnam U17's defense stood firm to preserve the historic victory.
Full time, Vietnam U17 2-1 Australia U17
77' Vietnam U17 defends well
Australia U17's attack is stuck as they repeatedly deliver early crosses and Vietnam U17's defense handles them without much difficulty.
65' Australia U17 playing in half-field
The opponent is pushing their formation high and trying every way to score an equalizer for 2-2. Vietnam U17 is still defending well.
59' Vietnam U17 increases the score to 2-1
A superb free-kick combination by Vietnam U17. Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc received a pass from his teammate and finished accurately from close range.
49' No goal
Le Trong Dai Nhan made a smart breakthrough on the right side. The narrow-angle shot from number 9 couldn't beat the Australian goalkeeper.
46' Second half begins
End of first half, Vietnam U17 1-1 Australia U17
45'+4, Goal, Vietnam U17 equalizes 1-1
Dai Nhan was fouled in the penalty area and this time a penalty was awarded to Vietnam U17. Dai Nhan's initial penalty shot hit the post but Manh Cuong promptly rushed in to head the rebound.
39' VAR denies Vietnam U17's penalty
Le Sy Bach was fouled by an Australian defender in the penalty area. The tackle clearly didn't touch the ball but VAR intervened and determined it was not a penalty.
24' No goal
Vietnam U17's defense cleared the ball indecisively. Luke Becvinovski had a chance to shoot from close range but fortunately the ball missed the post.
16' Too regrettable
Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc had a fairly clear chance to break through. Number 10 of Vietnam U17 didn't shoot but crossed inside, yet it was anticipated.
11' Goal, Australia U17 scores early opening goal
Forward Luke Becvinovski from Australia U17 executed a superb turn and shot. The ball struck into the top corner, giving the Vietnam U17 goalkeeper no chance to save.
3' Dangerous
Miles Edward broke through after a teammate's cross and headed from close range. Fortunately for Vietnam U17, the ball missed the post.
1' Match begins
Australia U17 starting lineup:
Vietnam U17 starting lineup:
The Southeast Asian U17 Championship 2026 semifinal between Vietnam U17 and Australia U17 is truly the focal match of the tournament, even considered an "early final." Both teams entered the match with very high form and both had not conceded. Vietnam U17 topped Group A with 14 goals after 3 matches, while Australia U17 won all group stage matches, scoring up to 15 goals and continued to show the status of the reigning champion. The match takes place at 7:30 PM on April 22 and will be the biggest test for coach Cristiano Roland and his team since the start of the tournament.
Vietnam U17's greatest strength lies in organization and diversity in attack. Under coach Cristiano Roland, the team plays proactive pressing, flexible short combinations, and does not rely on a specific individual. The midfield with players like Dao Quy Vuong or Nguyen Luc helps the team control the tempo quite well, while upfront Van Duong, Sy Bach, or Dai Nhan are always ready to create breakthroughs. Precisely the balance between defense and attack helps Vietnam U17 maintain a very stable streak of matches over the recent period.
However, Australia remains an extremely tough challenge due to superiority in physique, stamina, and aerial play ability. The team of coach Carl Veart maintains a very distinctive style: direct attack, fierce contention, and maximizing wing situations. They have the ability to exert continuous pressure causing opponents to easily lose stamina and make mistakes. If Vietnam U17 lets the match fall into too many one-on-one contests or loses possession in the midfield area, the risk of being drawn into the opponent's style of play is very clear.
To secure a ticket to the final, Vietnam U17 needs to control the tempo well, minimize defensive errors, and effectively utilize fast transition opportunities. Australia is rated slightly superior in physicality, but Vietnam has advantages in cohesion, discipline, and competitive spirit. Notably, Vietnam U17 once defeated Australia in the semifinal of the Southeast Asian U17 Championship in 2017 before winning the title. If they can replicate that composure, coach Cristiano Roland and his team can certainly create another major surprise.
Link to watch live football Vietnam U17 vs Australia U17, 7:30 PM, April 22