In a dramatic showdown at the AFC U17 Asian Cup, the U-17 Japan team faced off against U-17 Vietnam on April 7, 2025, at the Okaz Stadium in Saudi Arabia. The match ended in a tense 1-1 draw, leaving Japan's hopes of securing a spot in the upcoming U-17 World Cup hanging in the balance until their final group match against Australia.
The game started with Japan taking an early lead thanks to a goal from Yoshida Yugo, who scored in the 13th minute. This was Yoshida's second consecutive match with a goal, following his impressive performance in Japan's opening match against UAE, where they triumphed 4-1. The goal came from a well-placed cross by Fujii, which Yoshida converted with a precise header, showcasing the attacking prowess that Japan is known for.
Despite Japan's strong start, the match was far from straightforward. Vietnam, under the guidance of their experienced coach Roland, pressed hard and created several counter-attacking opportunities. The first half saw Japan maintaining possession and creating chances, but they struggled to extend their lead. Notably, in the 33rd minute, Yoshida had another opportunity to score but his header went just wide, and in the 42nd minute, a powerful shot was saved by the Vietnamese goalkeeper.
As the match progressed into the second half, Japan made tactical changes, introducing new players to maintain their advantage. Coach Hiroyama made three changes from the previous match, including starting goalkeeper Ejima and adjusting the formation to a 3-4-2-1 setup. However, as the clock ticked down, Vietnam found their rhythm and began to threaten Japan's defense.
The turning point came in the dying moments of the match. In the 90+6 minute, Vietnam was awarded a penalty after a foul by Japan's goalkeeper Ejike on forward Chan Gia Bao. The pressure was immense as Chan stepped up to take the penalty, and he coolly slotted the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. This last-minute equalizer was a gut punch for Japan, who had been on the verge of victory.
Japan's players were visibly disappointed, knowing that they had let a crucial win slip away. Coach Hiroyama expressed his frustration, stating, "We had control of the game but failed to capitalize on our chances. This is a lesson for us as we prepare for the next match against Australia." The draw means that Japan's qualification for the World Cup will now depend on their performance in the final group stage match.
Yoshida's performance continues to shine, as he has now scored three goals in the tournament, making him a key player for Japan. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform in the upcoming match against Australia, which will ultimately decide Japan's fate in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Vietnam's coach Roland praised his team's resilience, saying, "We showed great character to fight back and secure a point against such a strong opponent. This result gives us confidence as we look forward to our next match." With this draw, Vietnam remains in contention for a spot in the knockout stages, adding more intrigue to their upcoming matches.
The U-17 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, is set to take place in Qatar in November. Japan, who are the defending champions, will need to regroup quickly as they face Australia, a team that will not be an easy opponent. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to secure their place in the World Cup.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the U-17 Japan team to see if they can bounce back from this setback and continue their quest for another championship title. The final group match will be pivotal, and fans are hopeful that the young stars can deliver a performance worthy of their potential.
In conclusion, the U-17 Japan team will need to channel their disappointment from the draw against Vietnam into a strong performance against Australia. With their World Cup dreams on the line, the team must come together and seize the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
