Vietnam U17 returns home, aiming for major goals at Asian tournament

Following their victory in the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Championship, the Vietnam U17 squad is scheduled to arrive back in the country at 18:15 on April 26, touching down at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi).

The Vietnam U17 team has clinched the Southeast Asian title for the fourth time. This journey showcased the courage and passion of the Vietnam U17 players.

Coach Cristiano Roland and his team concluded the tournament unbeaten, with four wins and one draw, scoring 20 goals and conceding only once. More broadly, Vietnam U17's unbeaten streak has now extended to 16 matches.

From convincing victories in the group stage to an impressive comeback in the semifinals and confident performance in the final, all contributed to forming a team worthy of claiming the top honor.

The championship is not only the result of thorough preparation, efforts, discipline, and fighting spirit but also a crucial stepping stone toward larger goals, with the immediate focus being the challenging competition at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in May.

The journey ahead is long, but confidence in Coach Cristiano Roland and his team has been affirmed.

In a post-match interview after the Southeast Asia U17 Championship final, where Vietnam U17 defeated Malaysia U17 3-0 last night on April 24, Coach Cristiano Roland stated: "The players performed exceptionally well and gave their utmost effort. I am truly proud of what the entire team demonstrated. This is a deserved reward for the team's preparation and competitive spirit.

Implementing a new football philosophy within a short timeframe was not easy, but the players' dedication made the difference.

Vietnamese football possesses many talents, but sometimes lacks confidence. What was displayed on the field is the outcome of the foundation we are building. This is not merely a victory in one tournament, but a step toward establishing the team's identity.

What satisfies me most is not just the result, but how the players controlled space and made better decisions on the field. Such tournaments are vital for them to accumulate experience, learn from mistakes, and mature further," Coach Cristiano Roland said.

Looking ahead to the next stage, Coach Cristiano Roland emphasized that the primary goal for Vietnam U17 is the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup Final, a competition with significantly higher competitiveness.

"We believe in the potential of this group. The entire team will continue striving to prepare optimally for the upcoming tournament. This victory is dedicated to the supporters of Vietnamese football."

Meanwhile, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Championship final, Nguyen Van Duong, shared the joy and determination of the whole team. "Despite the short preparation time, the team remained united and played wholeheartedly for the national colors. The tournament was a valuable experience helping us learn many things from regional opponents. We thank Coach Roland and the coaching staff for their constant trust and guidance.

This forward affirmed that Vietnam U17 will continue training diligently to prepare optimally for the next goal, the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup Final, taking place in Saudi Arabia in early May.