In fact, head coach Cristiano Roland himself is already a name that catches the eye of Vietnamese fans, because the Brazilian coach's name is very similar to superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Throughout his time playing for Hanoi FC, the former center-back born in 1976 was also often mentioned by teammates or the media.
The list of U17 Vietnam participating in the 2026 U17 Southeast Asian Championship also attracted media attention before the match started. The reason is that a series of players that Mr. Roland chose possess names like movie actors.
These include goalkeeper Chu Ba Huan, defender Nguyen Ngoc Anh Hao, midfielders Dao Quy Vuong, Trieu Dinh Vy, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc, Nguyen Hiep Dai Vietnam, Ta Dinh Phong or striker Le Trong Dai Nhan...
In which, Quy Vuong, Nguyen Luc, Dai Nhan belong to the "main double" group in coach Roland's 4-1-4-1 formation. Nguyen Luc plays the role of a bridge between the defensive and midfielder quartet of U17 Vietnam; Quy Vuong is an attacking midfielder right below center forward Dai Nhan.
Against U17 Australia in the semi-finals, Dai Nhan was the player who scored the penalty, indirectly helping his team equalize 1-1. Meanwhile, Nguyen Luc sealed the score 2-1 after a neat free kick arrangement by U17 Vietnam. That was also this player's 4th goal at the U17 Southeast Asian tournament.
In addition, Vietnam and Dinh Phong have been given the opportunity to play from the bench by coach Roland. However, they will need to try harder.
U17 Vietnam has reached the U17 Southeast Asian final for the 2nd time in 4 years. The team will meet Malaysia again - an opponent who lost 0-4 in the group stage. If they win, this will be the first time in 9 years that U17 Vietnam has won a regional tournament.
