Vietnam U17 confident of causing an upset against South Korea U17 at the Asian tournament.

The Vietnam U17 team has a great opportunity to assert its position on the continental stage as it prepares for a crucial match against South Korea U17 in the second round of Group C at the 2026 AFC U17 Championship. Following a promising start with a 1-0 victory over Yemen U17, coach Cristiano Roland's team is in high spirits and has prepared thoroughly tactically.

A promising start and pressure from a major competitor.

The hard-fought but meaningful victory in their opening match brought three valuable points to the Vietnamese youth team. Immediately after the game, the entire team quickly returned to the training ground in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The coaching staff clearly understood that this was only the first step, as the challenges ahead would be far more difficult.

Notably, their upcoming opponent, South Korea U17, recently drew 1-1 against UAE U17. This result turns the upcoming match into a "life-or-death" battle for the South Korean team, while also presenting an opportunity for Vietnam U17 to create an upset if they can capitalize on their opponent's weaknesses.

Coach Roland's philosophy on personnel and tactical analysis.

Coach Cristiano Roland and his staff spent a lot of time holding technical meetings and thoroughly analyzing video footage of their opponents' matches. The Brazilian coach not only focused on tactical formations but also particularly emphasized the strength of the team and the contribution of every individual.

Regarding the team's personnel, Roland affirmed: "All the players deserve congratulations after the victory against Yemen. Whether they played or not, they are all very important to this team." This philosophy helps create healthy competition and ensures that reserve players are ready to make a difference when brought onto the field.

The goal is to advance further and secure a World Cup ticket.

Despite being pleased with the first three points, the head coach of the Vietnam U17 team maintained the necessary strictness, reminding his players that the team is perfectly capable of doing even better. Calmness and the ability to recover physically in the harsh environment of Saudi Arabia will be crucial factors in determining the team's performance.

According to the schedule, the match between Vietnam U17 and South Korea U17 will take place at 11 PM on May 10th (Vietnam time). A positive result against South Korea would not only bring the Vietnamese team closer to the quarterfinals but also fuel hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026. This is considered a historic milestone that Vietnamese youth football is aiming for with the highest expectations.