HÀ NỘI — The U15 and U2 teams received big bonuses from football managers following their outstanding performance at continental and regional tournaments.

The U15 squad, which triumphed at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship last Saturday, were awarded VNĐ450 million (US$20,100) from the Việt Nam Football Federation and the Việt Nam Professional Football Company yesterday.

The team also received a congratulatory letter from Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện for defeating archrival Thailand 4-2 in the final match in a penalty shootout.

It is the first U15 tournament organised by the AFF and marks Việt Nam’s first trophy in an outdoor football competition since 2008 when the country won the AFF Championship title.

Players returned to their local clubs today to prepare for the upcoming national championship. They will reconvene in mid-August to practice for the Asian U16 championship qualification in Mongolia in September.

Việt Nam are in Group I with Australia, Cambodia and the hosts.

The U22 side on Sunday were promised at least VNĐ1.6 billion ($71,800) for securing a slot in the Asian Football Confederation U23 Championship final.

The team are one of the six best and were placed second in the group stage qualification round.

VFF leaders have decided to give the team VNĐ600 million ($27,000), while VFF vice president Đoàn Nguyên Đức awarded them VNĐ1 billion ($45,000).

Đức is also the boss of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC, which contributed six players to the U22 team. — VNS