Hanoi, 2 June, 2025 – On the morning of June 2, the Vietnam U16 team departed for home after completing their journey at the CFA Team China 2025 International U16 Championship. Despite most of the players participating in their first international tournament, Vietnam U16 left a strong impression against tough opponents such as Australia (losing 1-2), China (drawing 2-2), and Saudi Arabia (coming from behind to win 2-1).
Reflecting on the journey, Head Coach Cristiano Roland couldn’t hide his emotions: “I am very proud and congratulate all the players. I understand the importance and necessary preparations for each match. From the early days of training to the matches in the tournament, all the work was focused on helping the players improve, especially learning to play modern football with high speed and intensity. Three weeks is not a long time, but most of the players have matured a lot, showing a serious attitude in training and matches.”
Coach Cristiano Roland had previously emphasized: “Each player carries the strength of the Vietnamese people. When this strength is fully utilized, no obstacles can defeat them. Even if the opponent is stronger and the conditions are better, with the qualities and spirit of Vietnam, they can still overcome. You have every right to be proud of that.”
VFF Vice General Secretary and Head of the Delegation, Nguyen Minh Chau, also praised the team’s determined fighting spirit, and conveyed the compliments and congratulations from VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan to Coach Cristiano Roland, the coaching staff, and the players for their commitment in the three quality matches at the tournament. Notably, apart from the two players who participated in the 2025 AFC U-17 Championship final round, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc and Nguyen Van Duong, the rest of the team members were making their first appearance in international competition. This is considered an important step towards their goal in the upcoming 2026 AFC U-17 qualifiers.
In the final match of the CFA Team China 2025 International U16 Championship, host China U16 unexpectedly won 5-2 against Australia U16 to claim the championship. As a result, Coach Cristiano Roland and his team finished in third place with 4 points.
According to the schedule, the Vietnam U16 team’s flight is expected to land at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi this afternoon.
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