The most difficult challenge in the group stage
U17 Vietnam just had an impressive draw against Australia with a score of 1-1. Despite being behind, coach Roland's students still played resiliently, creating a reasonable game and not allowing the opponent to increase the gap.
In the next round, U17 Vietnam continues to face a bigger challenge called U17 Japan.
Talking to labor, commentator Quang Huy assessed that the match against Japan was the biggest challenge in the U17 Asian group stage 2025. He said: "The match against Japan is considered the most difficult in the group stage of U17 Vietnam. Vietnam and Indonesia are the two Southeast Asian teams who play well in the launch match, while Thailand lost to Uzbekistan.
In the first half of the match against Australia, the U17 Vietnam players were overwhelmed. Before the match, the team had a coordinated strategy. But when entering the match, facing a strong and tough team, U17 Vietnam also had to deal with fierce moves to make the opponent lose their legs.
The second half was easier, especially when scoring, U17 Vietnam played fairly. U17 Vietnam was lucky to draw with Australia, but from a mental perspective it was worth it".
U17 Japan is in impressive form. In the opening match, the team from the land of the rising sun won convincingly 4-1 against U17 UAE and is leading Group B. Compared to Australia, commentator Quang Huy assessed Japan's strength as much higher.
He said: "Japan is a very high "mountainous land". Australian youth football is not yet outstanding, they are only at the highest level".
Lessons from the draw with Australia U17
Despite facing a very strong team like Japan, U17 Vietnam can still be confident as they have learned many lessons from the match against U17 Australia.
Commentator Quang Huy added: "The match against Australia is also a good warm-up for the upcoming match against Japan. Against Australia, we were behind, but coach Roland's students did not push the team up quickly to rush to attack.
U17 Vietnam played slowly and scored in the second half. Playing against a strong team, if they lose first but keep pushing up, it will be easy to lose more. In the match against Australia, the team did this lesson very well. U17 Vietnam lost first but was very calm. If it is difficult against Japan, just play like that."
U17 Vietnam will face a big challenge when meeting U17 Japan, a team with excellent individual skills and a rhythmic and strong team play.
"Japan still has very high traditional strengths, speed, technique and tactical discipline. They have a rhythmic and flexible playing style. At all levels, they are unified in their playing style.
They entered the tournament with no other goal than the championship. The cherry blossom team has always maintained unity in tactics and constantly improved at all levels, from youth to the national team", commentator Quang Huy commented.
Regarding the goals and tactics in the match against Japan, the veteran commentator said: "Getting against Japan, at all levels, we have to chase the ball a lot. The ball was always moved by them. If we don't have the right way to play, even if they don't accelerate, we will be tired chasing the ball. We have to play tight, losing close is also a good thing when meeting Japan.
Playing against such a strong Japan, being cautious in playing style, choosing the right time to attack, and finding counter-attacking opportunities is very important. The goal of a draw is extremely good, if they lose close is also good. We should enter the match with a relaxed mindset to have a reasonable choice at each time with the players as well as the tactical choice of coach Roland".
The match between U17 Vietnam and U17 Japan in the group stage of the 2025 U17 Asian Cup will take place at 22:00 tonight (7.4 Vietnam time).
