In the 88th minute, Adetiba of the UAE U17 team tried to pass the ball inside for Madhi to shoot into the Vietnam U17 net. That moment made many fans choked up with regret.
Le Huy Viet Anh and his teammates struggled for the previous 87 minutes and somewhat completed the task. Not many people are waiting for surprises in the short remaining time, because everyone understands that the young players are exhausted.
Don't say that U17 Vietnam is unlucky in Saudi Arabia. Because, without the support of luck, the efforts of coach Cristiano Roland and his team would likely have collapsed soon.
The most unfortunate thing for U17 Vietnam is the draw. Since falling into the same group as Japan, Australia and the UAE, U17 Vietnam has been considered the weakest team.
In the opening match, U17 Vietnam drew 1-1 with U17 Australia, but also suffered 3 shots that sent the ball against the crossbar and post of the goal of Hoa Xuan Tin. Quinn Macnicol became a culprit when he missed a penalty in the first half. Meanwhile, U17 Vietnam scored a goal in a rare dangerous situation.
In the match against Japan, U17 Vietnam continued to "cast" about the first 30 minutes. The team from the land of the rising sun does not create too much pressure but is enough for Vietnam not to rise.
Right in the final phase, goalkeeper Xuan Tin's long pass accidentally became an assist for Gia Bao to drop. The Hoang Anh Gia Lai player was fouled in the penalty area and successfully took a penalty.
But don't let this undermine the efforts of coach Cristiano Roland and his team. Luck only comes to those who are willing to strive.
If U17 Vietnam does not persevere until the last minute, Gia Bao will never penetrate the penalty area and make Japan commit a foul. And when they drew 1-1 with Australia, U17 Vietnam controlled the game well, confidently coordinated and avoided letting the goal gate under too much pressure.
This year's tournament ended according to the surprise scenario for U17 Vietnam. Gia Bao and his teammates are in the group of unbeaten teams but are the only team... eliminated. However, above all, U17 Vietnam has a generation of players worth hoping for.
"From the first days of training until the tournament and the final match, the whole team has continuously developed. The players are not only mature in their expertise but also nurture greater aspirations for their careers. They are the future of Vietnamese football," said coach Cristiano Roland.
When the U17 World Cup is held annually, the opportunities for U17 Vietnam will be much greater.
