In a heart-wrenching conclusion to their U17 Asian Cup campaign, U17 Vietnam faced U17 UAE in a decisive match on April 10, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. Despite leading until the 87th minute, Vietnam's hopes for a historic World Cup qualification were dashed as they settled for a 1-1 draw, ultimately finishing last in Group B with just three points.
Vietnam entered the match needing a win to advance, having earned only two draws in their previous games against Australia and Japan, both ending 1-1. The team, managed by Cristiano Roland, was determined to secure their first-ever spot in the U17 World Cup. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans hoped for a breakthrough.
From the outset, U17 Vietnam played with confidence, controlling possession and creating early chances. In the 20th minute, a well-executed play saw Duy Khang score the opening goal, his second of the tournament. The goal came from a precise cross by Duc Duy, allowing Khang to volley the ball past UAE goalkeeper Mohammed Nasser, igniting celebrations among the Vietnamese supporters.
With the lead, Vietnam shifted to a defensive strategy, relying on a solid backline to absorb UAE's mounting pressure. Despite being on the back foot for much of the first half, UAE struggled to find their rhythm, managing only three shots, none of which troubled goalkeeper Xuân Tín.
As the game progressed into the second half, UAE increased their offensive efforts, yet Vietnam's defense held firm. The Vietnamese players showcased their resilience, with Xuân Tín making crucial saves to deny UAE's attempts, particularly from their towering forward Mayed Mubarak, who had two close-range shots saved in the 53rd and 60th minutes.
Vietnam's defense was tested repeatedly, but they maintained their composure until the 87th minute when disaster struck. In a moment of vulnerability, UAE's Hazaa Faisal capitalized on a set-piece situation, heading the ball into the net from close range after a well-placed cross by Jayden Adetiba. The equalizer sent shockwaves through the Vietnamese camp, extinguishing their hopes of victory.
Despite the late equalizer, Vietnam fought valiantly in the dying moments of the match, pushing forward in search of a winning goal. However, time was not on their side, and the match concluded in a 1-1 draw, leaving them with a bittersweet feeling of having gone unbeaten in the group stage yet failing to qualify for the knockout rounds.
U17 Vietnam ended their campaign with three draws, finishing last in Group B, while Japan and UAE advanced to the quarter-finals. Japan secured their spot despite losing to Australia 3-2 in another group match, thanks to their superior points tally.
After the match, Coach Cristiano Roland expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We played with heart and skill, but sometimes football can be cruel. We showed we can compete at this level, and I believe this experience will serve us well in the future." The players, too, reflected on their journey, with Duy Khang noting, "We fought hard, and while we are disappointed, we can hold our heads high knowing we gave our all. We will learn and come back stronger."
As the tournament concluded, U17 Vietnam's campaign was marked by determination and resilience, proving they could stand toe-to-toe with some of the best in Asia. Their journey, though ending in disappointment, has laid a foundation for future success in Vietnamese football.
Looking ahead, the team will regroup and focus on the next generation of talent, aiming to build on the lessons learned during this tournament. The experience gained from competing against strong opponents will undoubtedly contribute to the development of young players in Vietnam, as they aspire to not only reach the U17 World Cup but to make a lasting impact on the international stage.
In conclusion, while U17 Vietnam's dreams of World Cup qualification have been dashed for now, their performance in the U17 Asian Cup has sparked hope and excitement for the future of Vietnamese football.
