On the night of April 10, 2025, the U17 Vietnam team faced off against U17 UAE in a crucial match for Group B in the U17 Asian Cup 2025 held in Saudi Arabia. With only 2 points from their previous two matches, U17 Vietnam needed a victory to secure advancement to the knockout stage and a chance to qualify for the U17 World Cup in Qatar.
U17 Vietnam entered the match with a positive mindset after drawing against two strong opponents, U17 Australia and U17 Japan, both with a score of 1-1. The team, led by coach Cristiano Roland, was determined to not only win but to make history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.
As the match kicked off, U17 Vietnam displayed confidence and composure, controlling the ball and launching attacks. Their efforts paid off in the 20th minute when Duy Khang scored the opening goal, striking a low shot that beat the U17 UAE goalkeeper. This marked Khang's second goal in the tournament, following his earlier strike against Australia.
Leading 1-0, U17 Vietnam maintained their composure as they entered halftime, knowing that a win was essential for their progression. However, U17 UAE, facing elimination, intensified their efforts in the second half, pushing forward to find an equalizer.
Despite several attempts, U17 UAE struggled to break through U17 Vietnam's defense, with goalkeeper Xuân Tín making crucial saves. The Vietnamese side, while on the back foot for much of the half, countered with dangerous breaks that kept the UAE defense on alert.
Just when it seemed that U17 Vietnam would secure a vital win, tragedy struck in the 87th minute. From a set-piece situation, Faisal Mahdi rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The late equalizer not only dashed the hopes of U17 Vietnam but also ensured that they would finish the tournament without a win.
Following the draw, U17 Vietnam ended the group stage with 3 points, having drawn all three of their matches against U17 Australia, U17 Japan, and U17 UAE. Unfortunately, this was not enough to qualify for the knockout stage, as U17 Japan finished first in the group with 4 points, followed by U17 UAE, who also secured 4 points but advanced based on goal difference.
In a parallel match, U17 Japan suffered a surprising 3-2 defeat to U17 Australia, which added to the drama of the final group standings. With this outcome, U17 Vietnam found themselves at the bottom of the group, eliminated from the tournament.
Coach Cristiano Roland expressed disappointment after the match, stating, "We fought hard and played well, but in football, sometimes you don't get what you deserve. The boys showed great spirit throughout the tournament, and I am proud of their efforts."
Meanwhile, U17 UAE's coach, Majed Salem, acknowledged the challenge posed by U17 Vietnam, saying, "We knew this match would be tough. Vietnam played very well, but we managed to secure the point we needed to advance."
The results of this tournament mark a bittersweet moment for U17 Vietnam, who demonstrated resilience against formidable opponents. The team had high hopes of progressing further, but their inability to secure a win ultimately led to their exit.
As U17 Vietnam reflects on their performance, they will look to regroup and build for future competitions. The experience gained in this tournament will be invaluable as they aim to elevate Vietnamese football on the international stage.
U17 Vietnam's journey in the U17 Asian Cup 2025 may have come to an end, but the spirit and determination displayed by the young players promise a bright future for the sport in Vietnam.
