Brazil Coach Announces New Goal for Vietnam National Team After Championship

Following U17 Vietnam's convincing triumph at the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship, head coach Cristiano Roland conveyed his pride in the players and stated the entire team will promptly redirect their attention to the 2026 Asian U17 Finals.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the final, Coach Cristiano Roland thanked the Organizing Committee, the Vietnam Football Federation, the coaching staff, and especially the players. Coach Cristiano Roland shared and emphasized the feeling of "great happiness and pride" after the championship: "The players performed excellently and gave their utmost effort. I am truly proud of what the entire team demonstrated. This is a deserved reward for the players' preparation and competitive spirit."

Evaluating the tournament journey, the Brazilian strategist noted that despite the short preparation time, the players absorbed the tactical concepts very well. He said: "Implementing a new football philosophy in a short period is not easy, but the players' dedication made the difference."

Coach Cristiano Roland also particularly emphasized the psychological factor in building the team. According to him, helping young players believe in their own abilities is key to competing fairly on the international stage. Coach Cristiano Roland analyzed: "Vietnamese football has many talents, but sometimes lacks confidence. What was shown on the field is the result of the foundation we are building. This is not just winning a tournament, but a step to create an identity for the national team."

The 1976-born coach also expressed admiration for the team's progress in executing their playing style. Coach Cristiano Roland stated: "What satisfies me most is not just the result on the scoreboard, but how the players controlled space and made better decisions on the field. Such tournaments are crucial for them to accumulate experience, learn from mistakes, and mature."

Looking ahead to the next stage, Coach Cristiano Roland affirmed the primary goal of U17 Vietnam is the 2026 Asian U17 Finals, a competition with significantly higher competitiveness. "We believe in the potential of this group. The whole team will continue striving to prepare optimally for the upcoming tournament", Coach Cristiano Roland stressed, while thanking fans for their constant support and affirming "this victory is for the supporters of Vietnamese football".