Football

  

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam set up their domination in the region with the fourth ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship title while looking to highest result at the upcoming Asian Championship Finals next month.

Việt Nam under coach Cristiano Roland beat Malaysia 3-0 in the final at the Gelora Delta Sidoarjo in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, on April 24, to be crowned champions.

Đào Quý Vương gave Việt Nam the lead after 11 minutes, as Nguyễn Văn Dương then delivered a double in the additional time of the first half and nine minute after the break for the well-deserved victory.

In the meantime, Australia came in third this year after pummelling Laos 8-0 in the classification match.

 

 In addition to the winning trophy, Vietnamese players also secured MVP award by Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực and Best Goalkeeper by Lý Xuân Hòa.

The championship title made Việt Nam the most successful team in the region, with four titles in total while also extending their unbeaten streak to 16 matches.

Speaking at the post-match conference Brazilian Roland thanked his assistants and players for the victory.

He said players had a good match and were deserved to win the championship. He was happy and proud of what the entire team had made.

He said that although Việt Nam had limited time to prepare for the tournament, the players demonstrated significant progress. Adapting to a new football philosophy in such a short period was challenging, but their determination and quick learning ability made the difference. He added that strengthening their confidence was crucial to helping them compete effectively on the international stage.

Roland was pleased with the team's improved gameplay. He praised the players' ability to control space, make decisions, and mature match by match.

“Việt Nam have many talented footballers who are sometime diffident. In fact confidence is crucial – something the players still need to improve significantly for upcoming competitions. What they have shown on the field reflects the foundation we are building, not just for a single tournament but for the future,” said Roland. 

 Joining Roland at the conference, striker Dương, who was voted MVP of the final, said Việt Nam were united and determined in the entire tournament which gave them precious lessons and experience for career.

He affirmed that that spirit would be brought into play at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Roland said the Asian event was a key target of Việt Nam this year. Although it would be at a higher level and more competitive, he believed in his side who would gain the best result.

The 21st edition of the tournament features 16 teams who will compete from May 5-22 in Jeddah.

The top eight teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar as the AFC representatives. — VNS