Taif, April 5, 2025 – U17 Vietnam opened their AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against U17 Australia on April 4, and coach Cristiano Roland is optimistic about carrying that momentum into their next Group B match against U17 Japan. Despite falling behind, Roland’s squad rallied in the second half, with Hoang Trong Duy Khang’s equalizer securing a vital point in Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting post-match, Cristiano said: “The first half was tough—our players struggled to find their rhythm. But in the second half, they adapted to the pace and performed much better. We scored, created several chances, and deserved the point. This result builds confidence for the games ahead.” Duy Khang’s 49th-minute strike, assisted by Nguyen Van Bach, canceled out Quinn MacNicol’s opener, showcasing Vietnam’s resilience against a favored foe.
The Brazilian coach acknowledged the challenges of Group B, which includes Japan and UAE alongside Australia: “Every match here is tough. Japan next is a massive test, but we’ll study them closely and step onto the pitch with maximum determination.” U17 Japan, perennial contenders with three titles (1994, 2006, 2018), loom as a formidable hurdle after thrashing U17 UAE 4-0 in their opener. Vietnam’s counterattacking style—honed in recent 1-0 friendly wins over U17 Oman—will face a stern examination.
Cristiano’s faith rests on his team’s second-half turnaround against Australia, where they overcame a shaky start to dominate spells and nearly snatch a win. “The boys showed character,” he added. “That spirit will drive us forward.” With Dau Hong Phong anchoring midfield and Hoa Xuan Tin steady in goal, Vietnam aims to upset another giant and bolster their knockout chances—a feat last achieved in 2016, when they reached the quarterfinals. The match between U17 Japan vs. U17 Vietnam will kicks off at 10:00 p.m. on April 7.
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