The U17 Vietnam national football team is gearing up for a crucial match against Japan in the Asian U17 Championship, following a promising 1-1 draw against Australia in their opening game on April 4, 2025. The match not only boosted the confidence of Coach Cristiano Roland's squad but also set the stage for a challenging encounter against one of the tournament favorites, Japan.
Coach Roland expressed optimism, stating, "We need to help the players remember the performance in the second half against Australia and try to play like that for 90 minutes against Japan." The team’s resilience will be put to the test as they face a Japanese side that showcased their strength with a commanding 4-1 victory over the UAE, boasting 70% possession and 27 shots, 8 of which were on target.
Goalkeeper Hoa Xuan Tin, who made his continental debut, acknowledged the anxiety that comes with such high-stakes matches but is now filled with confidence after the draw against Australia. He noted, "I will try to control the penalty area well, and further away, I need my teammates' support." Xuan Tin has been analyzing Japan's gameplay, particularly their wing attacks, which have proven effective in previous matches.
Japan employed a 5-3-2 formation in their match against the UAE, effectively stretching the opponent's defense with the help of wing-backs Ryota Hariu and Kaiji Chonan. The duo's performance was critical in creating opportunities for their strikers, Hiroto Asada and Minato Yoshida, who capitalized on defensive lapses to score. Coach Nozomi Hiroyama indicated that he would make adjustments to his lineup to ensure victory against Vietnam, hinting at a focus on tightening defensive strategies.
Historically, Japan has been a formidable opponent for Vietnam at all levels of competition. The only victory for Vietnam against Japan came during the 2018 ASIAD, where Nguyen Quang Hai scored the decisive goal. More recently, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw in the final round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, a match that had already been decided in terms of qualification.
Japan's U17 team has consistently excelled in Asian tournaments, advancing past the group stage in every edition since 2016. They have reached the finals four times and secured three championships in 2006, 2018, and 2023. Their track record at the World Cup is equally impressive, with participation in 7 out of the last 8 tournaments, missing only in 2015. At the U20 level, Japan has surpassed the Asian group stage 16 times in a row since 1992, reaching the semi-finals 12 times.
In contrast, Vietnam's U17 team aims for a significant milestone by advancing to the U17 World Cup 2025. Their upcoming match against UAE will be pivotal, as the winner will secure a spot in the quarter-finals and a chance to compete on the world stage. The UAE recently bounced back from a heavy defeat against Japan by defeating Australia convincingly, which adds another layer of intensity to the upcoming clash.
In the match between UAE and Australia, the Australian team created early chances, including a free-kick that hit the crossbar in the 3rd minute. However, UAE struck first in the 9th minute with a well-placed header from Mayed Adel. Despite Australia’s efforts, including a powerful shot from Amlani Tatu that forced UAE's goalkeeper Mohammed Nasser to make a save, the UAE continued to dominate. They doubled their lead in the 53rd minute with a stunning goal from Mohamed Buti Almarar.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes are high for both Vietnam and UAE. The match between these two teams will not only determine who advances to the quarter-finals but also who gets the coveted spot in the U17 World Cup. With both teams having something to prove, fans can expect an electrifying encounter.
Looking ahead, Coach Roland will need to ensure his players stay focused and maintain the momentum they built against Australia. The challenge against Japan will be daunting, but the experience gained from the opening match could serve as a crucial advantage. With the right mindset and teamwork, the U17 Vietnam team hopes to make history and secure their place among the elite in youth football.
As the countdown to the match against Japan continues, all eyes will be on the U17 Vietnam team as they prepare to face one of Asia's football powerhouses. The excitement is palpable, and supporters are hopeful that this young squad can rise to the occasion and secure a memorable result.
