Brazilian coach speaks sincerely after helping Vietnam qualify for the Asian tournament

Coach Cristiano Roland expressed emotional remarks following Vietnam U17’s successful qualification for the 2026 U17 Asian Championship finals.

The Vietnam U17 team completed an outstanding campaign in the 2026 U17 Asian qualifiers, achieving five straight victories, scoring 30 goals, and conceding none. With this record, the young players officially earned their place in the final tournament in Saudi Arabia next May, aiming towards the goal of participating in the U17 World Cup at the end of the year.

After accomplishing the mission, Coach Cristiano Roland praised his players’ performances highly and expressed gratitude to his assistants as well as the tens of thousands of fans nationwide who have consistently supported and followed every match of Vietnam U17.

In his latest post on his personal Facebook page, the Brazilian strategist wrote: "Mission accomplished. The Vietnam U17 national team has officially qualified for the 2026 U17 Asian Championship finals to be held in Saudi Arabia.

Five matches, five wins, 30 goals scored, zero goals conceded. A perfect journey, once again we have achieved it. This is the result of relentless effort, serious work ethic, and the full dedication of the entire team.

Wishing everyone a happy birthday. My players have shown professionalism and exemplary fighting spirit in every game. Once more, we have demonstrated to the world the great potential of Vietnamese football. What these young men have accomplished makes the whole country proud.

I sincerely thank the coaching staff, who have been dedicated, professional, and stood by me throughout this journey. Thanks to the fans across the country for their tireless and unwavering support in every match.

Especially, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Chairman of Hanoi Club, Mr. Đỗ Vinh Quang, for once again enabling me to serve the Vietnam Football Federation over the past two months to complete this mission.

No one can take away my love for Vietnam. That affection will always remain in my heart, forever.

Thank you all very much!"

Based on their performance in the recent qualifying campaign, the nation’s fans have renewed faith in Vietnam U17 at the 2026 U17 Asian Championship finals, a tournament where Vietnam’s youth previously made a significant impact earlier this year.

If placed in a favorable group and maintaining their current consistent form, Vietnam U17’s chances of finishing among the top two teams are very realistic. This would secure their ticket to the continent’s biggest youth football event at the end of next year, thereby confirming the development of Vietnam’s youth football.

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