The impact of Song Lam Nghe An players in Vietnam U17's World Cup qualification.
Midfielder Nguyen Minh Thuy of Song Lam Nghe An is a crucial link in the historic journey that led the Vietnam U17 team to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.
"Transfer station”midfield
In the miraculous journey of the Vietnam U17 team at the 2026 AFC U17 Championship, many players knew how to shine in decisive moments. But behind those goals and explosive moments, there were still silent, fundamental contributions. Nguyen Minh Thuy is one of them.
The midfielder from the Song Lam Nghe An U17 team isn't the type of player who plays with flair, but the more you watch the Vietnam U17 team play, the clearer it becomes to see Minh Thuy's special role in the tactical system built by coach Cristiano Roland.
The young player from Nghe An possesses an intelligent playing style, excellent rhythm control, and quick transitions. Minh Thuy doesn't need many touches to handle the ball, but always knows how to make sound decisions. This simple yet effective approach helps the U17 Vietnam midfield maintain balance in both defense and attack.
At the previous Southeast Asian U17 Championship, Minh Thủy was an almost irreplaceable name in the midfield. At the 2026 Asian U17 Championship Finals in Saudi Arabia, the SLNA player continued to show remarkable consistency.
In the historic 3-2 victory against the UAE U17 team in the final group stage match, Minh Thủy left a strong mark. Not only did she score the winning goal with a cool and powerful finish to make it 2-1, but the midfielder also delivered the corner kick that led to Mạnh Cường's decisive goal, opening the door for Vietnam U17 to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.
After the match, Mr. Nguyen Van Tinh - the father of midfielder Nguyen Minh Thuy - was overwhelmed with emotion when the Vietnam U17 team secured a ticket to the World Cup.
“Minh Thủy came to football very naturally, and then joining the Song Lam Nghe An training academy was also like fate. The family has always let her develop according to her passion and strengths. Today, seeing her wearing the U17 Vietnam jersey and contributing to the team's qualification for the World Cup, the family is truly proud and moved. We only hope she will always maintain her spirit of effort and continue to strive on the path she has chosen,” Mr. Tinh shared.
This wasn't the first time Minh Thủy made a difference in big matches. Earlier, in the semi-final of the U17 Southeast Asian Championship against Australia, the SLNA midfielder was the one who took the set-piece that led to his teammate scoring the decisive goal, sending Vietnam U17 to the final.
It's worth noting that Minh Thủy always knows how to shine at the right moment, in a very quiet way. This player doesn't show off individually, but instead acts as a "transfer station" in the way the whole team plays.
When Vietnamese youth football began to dream big.
Qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 is a historic milestone for Vietnamese youth football. Furthermore, it demonstrates the significant maturation of a new generation of players under coach Cristiano Roland.
The Brazilian coach didn't build the Vietnam U17 team based on the inspiration of a few stars. He created a cohesive team where each player understands their role and is ready to make a difference when the team needs them.
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In particular, midfielder Minh Thủy is the type of player any coach needs. Coach Roland understands the value of this Song Lam Nghệ An midfielder's consistent play, tactical thinking, and stability.
Minh Thủy and Nguyễn Lực became the two "lungs" in the midfield of the Vietnam U17 team. They helped the team control the tempo, maintain team formation, and stay calm during the most stressful moments.
What's commendable about the Vietnam U17 team is their fighting spirit. After the heartbreaking defeat against South Korea U17, many worried that the young players would be discouraged. But Coach Roland's team bounced back strongly with an emotional comeback victory against UAE U17.
The fact that the Vietnam U17 team topped their group, which included South Korea, surprised many. Even the South Korean media and fans had to acknowledge the achievements of Coach Roland and his team. This is proof that Vietnamese youth football is gradually closing the gap with the rest of the continent.
And with players who know how to make a difference, Vietnamese football has every right to hope for a successful journey at the 2026 AFC U17 Championship and beyond, to the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.
