Improving the competition system
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has had many ambitions in increasing the number of matches for youth teams. However, for many reasons, this plan cannot be complete.
Previously, VFF organized more National Cup tournaments for the 15th and 17th age groups but temporarily suspended them for 2 years. Basically, a youth team in Vietnam plays the most matches in about 16-18 matches.
Most of these matches took place in the youth qualifying round, many matches had a gap of 5-10 goals. Many teams have even been disciplined for playing "not at their best". It is difficult to say that young talents can break through in such circumstances.
Meanwhile, young players in Indonesia can participate in 3 main tournaments such as the National Football Federation tournament, Soeratin Cup or Elite Pro Academy. Players can play 30-35 matches at many levels. The big difference in the chances of playing between the two football teams creates different starting points.
Moreover, U16 Indonesia has a synchronous tactic with higher levels when Mr. Shin Tae-yong has had to take charge of many teams at the same time. Even coach Nova Arianto is known as a trusted assistant of the Korean coach.
More or less, the Indonesian players of this generation play football with more courage and experience than many other Southeast Asian teams.
Vietnam can improve the situation
"After playing youth football for many years, having participated in the U20 World Cup, I realized that Vietnamese football is showing many positive signs and good investment, going in the right direction. Our chances of qualifying for the World Cup are increasing. However, Vietnamese youth football that wants to qualify for the World Cup also needs to invest in a systematic direction and prepare a good force.
In my opinion, it is necessary to raise the level of domestic youth tournaments, creating a competition system with more matches. Internationally, young players also need high-quality training subjects," said coach Dinh Hong Vinh - who concurrently holds the position of president of Ba Ria - Vung Tau club.
For a long time, Vietnamese football has struggled to find a specific direction. But the results Indonesia has achieved are like a test that Vietnam itself can learn from. Obviously, improving the quality of the football system will bring positive changes, far exceeding expectations.
Each football team still has its own unique characteristics, but money is a prerequisite for a big plan. In the meantime, Vietnamese football still needs a lot of resources to invest in youth football.
From 2025, the U17 World Cup will become an annual tournament and Asia will have 8 participation spots. If only they were luckier in the qualifying round and drawing ceremony, Vietnam could have thought about a second time participating in a World Cup for youth football.
