Despite winning big against the opponent in the group stage, coach Cristiano Roland's team is still predicted to have a difficult match.
In the semi-finals, U17 Vietnam showed bravery when overcoming defending champion U17 Australia with a score of 2-1. This victory shows the maturity in the psychology of competition as well as the ability to organize the playing style of the young Vietnamese team against a strong opponent. Meanwhile, U17 Malaysia also had a convincing performance when defeating U17 Laos 3-0 to win a ticket to the final.
Previously in the group stage, U17 Vietnam once defeated U17 Malaysia 4-0. However, coach Cristiano Roland said that the final match will be completely different in nature, requiring players to maintain the highest concentration and not be subjective against opponents who are clearly improving in form.
In the opposite direction, coach Shukor Adan of U17 Malaysia showed confidence before the rematch. He assessed the defeat in the opening match against U17 Vietnam as an important turning point to help Malaysian players mature faster. According to this coach, his students have significantly improved their defensive ability as well as stability in organizing their playing style after the next matches.
After the opening defeat, U17 Malaysia successively overcame U17 Indonesia, U17 Timor-Leste and U17 Laos to advance to the final. Coach Shukor Adan said that pressure from public opinion after the defeat to U17 Vietnam has become a motivation for young players to play more determinedly. He also emphasized that the Malaysian squad has many players of the U15 generation but is progressing rapidly through each match at the tournament.
However, U17 Vietnam is still considered to have many advantages thanks to stability in playing style and cohesive fighting spirit. If they continue to promote the strengths shown from the beginning of the tournament, coach Cristiano Roland's team has a great chance to win to close the journey with the regional championship.
Score prediction: U17 Vietnam 1-0 U17 Malaysia.
