U17 Vietnam were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, but gained valuable experience as preparation for the U17 World Cup stage
Vietnam U17 national football team concluded their campaign at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup after a 0-3 defeat to Australia U17 national football team in the quarter-finals, held on the evening of 16 May (local time) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
18/05/2026 16:56:38
This was a rematch between the two sides just a few weeks after the 2026 AFF U17 Championship semi-final, where Vietnam U17 national football team had previously earned a 2-1 victory over the Australian representative. However, in this encounter, Australia U17 national football team showed significant changes in both personnel and tactical approach. In addition, having played one fewer match in the group stage gave the Australian side a notable physical advantage.
Right from the kick-off, Australia U17 pushed forward aggressively to apply pressure. In the 4th minute, from a free-kick on the left flank delivered by Sajjad Nasiri, Vietnamese-origin player Max Court rose highest to head the ball narrowly over the crossbar.
In the 13th minute, Henrique Oliveira produced a skillful individual effort on the left wing, cutting inside before firing a low shot toward the near post, forcing goalkeeper Ly Xuan Hoa into a focused save.
After more than 20 minutes under heavy pressure, Vietnam U17 national football team gradually began to create notable chances in front of the opposition goal. In the 23rd minute, Quý Vương made a late run from midfield and attempted a long-range effort from outside the box, but the ball flew over the crossbar. Earlier, Sỹ Bách had a chance to break into the penalty area, but his weak left-footed shot was well blocked by defender Kutleshi.
In the 39th minute, Vietnam had another opportunity from a right-sided corner-kick routine. Văn Dương was the final player to strike from outside the box, but once again, the Australian defence held firm.
Just as the match began to balance out, Australia U17 national football team struck in the 41st minute. Following a headed assist from Henrique Oliveira, Oliver O’Carroll finished clinically with his left foot from close range, sending the ball into the top corner to give Australia U17 the lead.
In the second half, the players of coach Cristiano Roland’s side pushed forward in search of an equaliser. However, Australia U17 national football team continued to show efficiency in counter-attacks.
In the 60th minute, Max Court provided an assist for Hassarati, who finished from a tight angle with his left foot to make it 2-0 for the yellow-clad side.
In the 75th minute, Australia U17 added a third goal. Once again, Max Court made his mark with a combination play that released Akeem Gerald into the penalty area, before he finished across goal to beat goalkeeper Ly Xuan Hoa.
In the closing minutes, Vietnam U17 national football team continued to push forward in search of a consolation goal. Trương Nguyễn Duy Khang unleashed a powerful shot from the right flank, forcing the Australian goalkeeper into a save, but Đình Vỹ failed to convert the rebound.
In the end, Vietnam U17 suffered a 0-3 defeat and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup. Although they could not progress further, coach Cristiano Roland’s side achieved their key objective of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup — a historic milestone for Vietnamese youth football.
Following their 2026 AFF U17 Championship title and first-ever World Cup ticket, Vietnam U17 national football team will continue important preparation plans ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar.
