U17 Vietnam accelerates the final preparations for their opening match
On the afternoon of April 1st, U17 Vietnam entered their third training day in Taif, Saudi Arabia, in preparation for the 2025 AFC U17 Championship. The training session took place at 4:00 PM local time (8:00 PM Vietnam time) at the Taif Permanent Youth Camp, which is about a 40-minute bus ride from the team’s hotel.
After the training camp in Oman and their arrival in Saudi Arabia on March 30th, the players are gradually adapting to the conditions here. The temperature in Taif ranges from 18 to 32°C, and although it is quite hot when the team begins their training, it becomes cooler towards the end of the session due to the quick drop in temperature and the presence of strong winds. This is favorable for Coach Cristiano and his players, as all of Vietnam U17’s matches at the 2025 AFC U17 Championship will be held at 6:00 PM local time.
After a long period of training at home and more than a week of preparation in Oman, where the team played two friendly matches against the Oman U17 team, the entire squad is essentially ready for the tournament. Therefore, in the remaining 3 days, Coach Cristiano Roland is primarily focusing on refining the tactics and playing style for his players.
Before the training session, team captain Lê Huy Việt Anh – a player who has been recognized by the AFC as one of the most exciting talents to watch at the 2025 AFC U17 Championship – shared: “I feel a mix of nervousness and excitement as we prepare for the tournament. The training camp in Oman and the two friendly matches against the Oman U17 team were important steps that helped boost the team’s confidence. Although they were just friendlies, those two wins over Oman still provide us with great motivation.”
Regarding being entrusted with the captain’s armband, Việt Anh shared: “I am very happy to take on this responsibility. Of course, there will be pressure, but I see it as motivation to work harder, help my teammates, and show my role on the field. I always encourage everyone to stay focused, do their best, and not be afraid of any opponent.”
As for the training conditions in Taif, U17 Vietnam’s captain praised the facilities and the team’s adaptability: “The pitch is very good, and the team has already adjusted to the new time zone. The only challenge is the hot weather, but we will try our best to adapt as quickly as possible.”
In response to the support and attention from fans back home, Việt Anh sent a message: “I hope everyone will continue to follow and cheer for the team. The whole team will do our best to achieve the best results in every match.”
