Taif, April 8, 2025 – U17 Vietnam kept their U17 World Cup dreams alive with a heroic 1-1 draw against U17 Japan late on April 7 in Saudi Arabia, following an equally impressive 1-1 result against U17 Australia in their opener. At the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025, Gia Bao’s stoppage-time penalty leveled the score against Japan, securing a precious point after an early deficit and showcasing the resilience of coach Cristiano Roland’s squad.
In their Group B debut on April 4, U17 Vietnam held U17 Australia to a 1-1 stalemate, with Hoang Trong Duy Khang’s strike canceling out an Aussie lead. That momentum carried into the Japan clash. Despite conceding early to a 12th-minute goal from Japan’s Kaito Takahashi, Vietnam battled back. In the dying moments, a foul in the box handed Gia Bao—a substitute who’d sparked attacks since entering—the chance to convert from the spot, ensuring a share of the spoils against the three-time champions.
With two points from draws against two continental giants, U17 Vietnam sits second in Group B behind Japan (four points), ahead of Australia (one point) and UAE (zero). Their fate hinges on the final matchday against U17 UAE on April 10. A win could clinch a top-two finish and a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, awarded to each group’s top two teams per tournament rules. UAE’s 4-0 loss to Japan and goalless draw with Australia make them vulnerable, boosting Vietnam’s prospects.
Under Brazilian coach Cristiano Roland, U17 Vietnam has embraced a pragmatic, disciplined style, prioritizing a tight defense while striking on the counter. This approach—honed in 1-0 friendly wins over U17 Oman in March—has paid dividends, frustrating stronger foes. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best,” Roland said post-match. “Beating UAE is our next step.”
These results echo Vietnam’s 2016 quarterfinal run, their last U17 World Cup qualification. With Gia Bao’s clutch moment and a cohesive unit, U17 Vietnam stands one victory from reviving that glory. Their April 10 showdown, airing at 10:00 p.m. Vietnam time, could seal a historic return to the global stage.
Leave a Reply