Vietnam's team faces a formidable opponent in the Southeast Asian semifinals

U17 Australia, undefeated in the group stage, will pose a significant challenge for U17 Vietnam in the forthcoming semifinal match.

U17 Vietnam concluded the group stage of the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship with a 0-0 draw against host Indonesia, thereby securing a spot in the semifinals as the top team in Group A. This result allowed coach Cristiano Roland and his squad to accumulate 7 points after three matches, while also maintaining an unbeaten defensive record without conceding any goals.

Previously, Vietnam's youth team displayed impressive form with two decisive victories over Malaysia (4-0) and Timor-Leste (10-0). Not only possessing an effective attack, Vietnam's U17 defense demonstrated absolute solidity by remaining steadfast throughout the group stage, becoming one of the most stable teams in this year's tournament. In the semifinal on April 22, U17 Vietnam will face reigning champion U17 Australia, while the other semifinal will be a clash between Laos and Malaysia.

Entering the match against Indonesia, U17 Vietnam only needed a draw to secure their position as group leaders. With that advantage, the coaching staff made further personnel adjustments to ensure the fitness of key players. Despite changing three positions compared to the victory over Timor-Leste, the starting lineup maintained balance with goalkeeper Ly Xuan Hoa, captain Nguyen Huynh Dang Khoa, and notable players such Nguyen Luc and Dai Nhan.

Under immense pressure from the home crowd, U17 Vietnam started confidently and proactively controlled the game. Their tightly organized defense made it difficult for Indonesia to approach the goal. Not only defending solidly, Coach Roland's players also created more dangerous opportunities than their opponents.

In the 23rd minute, Van Duong fired a dangerous shot into the lower corner, forcing Indonesia's goalkeeper to make a difficult save. Near the end of the first half, this striker again had a golden opportunity inside the box, but his shot narrowly missed the post. In the second half, the game's momentum remained unchanged as U17 Vietnam maintained considerable pressure.

In the 53rd minute, from a coordinated play on the left flank, Nguyen Luc had a chance to shoot from close range but could not beat the opposing goalkeeper. No further goals were scored in the remaining minutes, and the match ended with a 0-0 draw.

U17 Indonesia coach: 'The players executed correctly but only managed a draw against Vietnam'

Having eliminated Indonesia, U17 Vietnam advances to the semifinals as group leaders