Football

Việt Nam will play Australia in the first match of Group B in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup. Photo giaoducthoidai.vn

HÀ NỘI — The door is open for twice the number of teams for Asian representatives taking part in the World Cup U17 2025, but Việt Nam must firstly tackle some formidable opponents in the continental tournament on April 3-20.

A recent draw conducted in Malaysia placed Việt Nam in a tough group, Group B up against Japan, Australia and the UAE, playing in Saudi Arabia.

The other 12 teams are in Group A, C and D.

The top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals, meaning that they will qualify for the global championship in Qatar.

Following the recent released schedule, Việt Nam will play three-time semi-finalists Australia in the first match on April 4. Their next matches are against defending champions Japan on April 7 and the powerful UAE three days later.

The Vietnamese players have only two months prepare for the competitions but the Việt Nam Football Federation has still not named a new head coach, following Cristiano Roland's departure two months ago.

The VFF said they were negotiating with a Japanese professional who would be introduced later this month.

The national football governing body also revealed that players will have intensive training course including a two-week camp overseas, to ensure that they are in top form for April.

Speaking about the competition, Australian coach Brad Maloney said Group B gathered different-styled squads and was really challenging. Japan were definitely a tough rival, while both Việt Nam and the UAE were obstacles. He said the team had to make the most of their preparations to disable all rivals, while making use of their threatening opportunities.

In 2016, the U17s of Việt Nam beat Australia 3-2 in the Asian championship. VNS