If Vietnam's U17 squad can secure strong results in the opening and final group-stage matches at the AFC U17 Asian Cup, they could claim a place in the next round - along with a historic ticket to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Starting from the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA has expanded the number of participating teams to 48. With this adjustment, Asia is allocated eight spots - double the previous figure. This means that advancing past the group stage of the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup will be enough for teams to qualify for Qatar in November.

Vietnam’s U17 team has been drawn into Group B alongside Japan, Australia, and the UAE. While coach Cristiano Roland’s squad is not considered on par with these regional heavyweights, they are still capable of producing surprises.

To reach the quarterfinals - and thus qualify for the World Cup - Vietnam must approach each match with clear objectives. The task is undeniably difficult, but not impossible.

In Group B, Japan, with consecutive titles in 2018 and 2023 (the 2020 edition was canceled due to COVID-19), is the clear favorite to top the group and advance.

Australia is expected to be the next strongest team, having reached the semifinals in 2010, 2014, and 2018. The remaining opponent, the UAE, has invested heavily in youth development, sending players abroad for training and competition.

To secure a World Cup berth, Vietnam needs a favorable result in the opening match against Australia. In the past, Vietnam’s U19 team - featuring stars like Cong Phuong, Tuan Anh, and Xuan Truong - has defeated Australia on multiple occasions.

Even at the U23 level, Vietnam famously beat Australia at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, with a memorable goal by Quang Hai.

While players like Gia Bao and his teammates may be physically smaller and less powerful than their Australian counterparts, they are not without a chance to win - or at least draw - in this crucial opening match. Historically, Australia’s true footballing strength is more evident at the senior national level, with many players competing in Europe. At the youth level, especially U17, their skill level is often on par with or even below that of Vietnam’s players.

If Vietnam manages to overcome Australia in the first game, their campaign will be significantly eased. Coach Cristiano Roland’s team will then aim to minimize goals conceded against Japan in the second match, before going all-in against the UAE in the final group-stage showdown. Like Australia, UAE players boast a physical advantage, but this is not considered an insurmountable threat.

Ahead of the AFC U17 Asian Cup, Vietnam claimed back-to-back 1-0 wins against Oman. With strong preparation, full utilization of their potential, and a determined fighting spirit, coach Roland and his squad could very well leave the UAE regretting their final match.

Dai Nam