Vietnam U17 Team Finalizes Preparations for AFC U17 Asian Cup Opener

The Vietnam U17 national team is in the final stages of preparation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as they gear up for their opening match in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup against Yemen. Coach Cristiano Roland and his squad are diligently working to refine their tactics and ensure they are fully acclimatized to the local conditions.

Recent training sessions have focused on key areas, including offensive and defensive strategies, as well as set-piece execution. Coach Roland is paying close attention to player selection and ensuring that the team's playing style is sharp and effective for the upcoming challenge. The team is also adjusting their training schedule to match the local kick-off time and get accustomed to playing under floodlights.

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In last year's tournament, U17 Vietnam tried hard but with 3 draws, the team could not advance. That is a big lesson that I always remind the players: do not waste any opportunity on the field and must try our best to aim for victory.

Reflecting on the previous tournament, where Vietnam was eliminated despite remaining undefeated, Coach Roland has instilled a strong message in his players: seize every opportunity and strive for victory. While acknowledging the team's attacking prowess, he emphasizes the crucial need for a balanced approach between offense and defense. The ultimate goal for this tournament is clear: to advance beyond the group stage, a feat that requires maximum effort and focus from every player.

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The current crop of players has good attacking ability, as shown by the number of goals scored recently. However, the balance between attack and defense remains a key factor. We aim to get past the group stage.