Vietnam U17 team prepares carefully for the match against Japan

Just 2 days later1-1 draw against U17 AustraliaThe Vietnam U17 team returned to the training ground with high determination and a carefully calculated plan from the coaching staff. The next match against Japan U17 on April 7 promises to be the biggest challenge for coach Cristiano Roland and his team in the group stage.

Knowing the physical loss after the first round of matches, the coaching staff divided the team into two groups. Players who played for more than 60 minutes mainly did light recovery exercises, while the remaining group continued to hone their tactical skills, focusing on team coordination, organizing attacks and defending situations.

The highlight of the training session was the finishing session, where coach Cristiano Roland was particularly strict. He required each shot to be as precise and decisive as possible, and emphasized that, against a strong opponent like Japan U17, every opportunity must be taken to the fullest. In matches like this, one moment can decide the whole situation.

Besides tactics, the mental factor is also given top priority. The draw with U17 Australia was the first test of mettle, and one of the players who left the clearest mark was goalkeeper Hoa Xuan Tin - who was the first to start in a continental tournament.

“Before the match, I was really nervous. But when I entered the field, I only thought about keeping my spirit up to complete the task,” Xuan Tin shared after the training session. He was the one who helped U17 Vietnam avoid defeat on the opening day with his solid performance in the second half.

Not only showing his mettle, Xuan Tin also actively studied his opponents. This young goalkeeper said that he had reviewed the video of the Japan U17 match and discovered that most of the goals came from crosses and headers from striker number 10 - a detail that shows the serious preparation spirit of both himself and the whole team. "I have discussed with my teammates to keep close track of people in the penalty area. I myself will also try to control the goal area well," Tin said.

When asked if he is able to keep a clean sheet against Japan, Xuan Tin modestly replied: "That is impossible to say, but if given the opportunity, I will try my best."

The match with U17 Japan is not only a big challenge in terms of skills, but also a battle of mentality and will. Although the opponent is rated higher, the young Vietnamese players do not hide their determination. "In the group stage, every match for us is a final match," Xuan Tin affirmed. "We always enter the field with the spirit of winning and are ready to play our best for the country."

Japan U17 may be the favorites, but youth football always has surprises in store. With a disciplined, determined and ambitious team, Vietnam U17 are showing that they are not just here to learn - but to fight.

The match between Vietnam U17 and Japan U17 will take place at 3:00 p.m. on April 7 (local time), or 1:00 p.m. Vietnam time, at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia.