At the pre-tournament press conference, the Japanese coach expressed his joy when Group C was organized in Vietnam. He also highly appreciated the support of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and clubs in the preparation process.
First, I feel very happy that the U20 Asian qualifying tournament is being held in Vietnam. Before the tournament, we received a lot of support from VFF as well as clubs to have the most ideal training conditions possible," coach Yutaka Ikeuchi shared.
Assessing the preparation process, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi admitted that the results at the 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship were not as expected. However, he believes that this tournament also brings important lessons for U20 Vietnam.
At the recent Southeast Asian tournament, we did not achieve the desired results, which is a regrettable defeat but also a big lesson for U20 Vietnam. Through that lesson, the coaching staff as well as the players have drawn many valuable experiences to prepare more carefully for this U20 Asian qualifier," he said.
In the opening match, U20 Vietnam will meet U20 DPRK. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi assessed that the opponent has a good physical foundation and fighting spirit. Due to difficulties in collecting information, the coaching staff mainly relies on the data obtained and experience to analyze the opponent.
North Korea is a very strong opponent, they always have a good physical and mental playing style, so this is definitely not an easy match. We have prepared our best to face them," coach Yutaka Ikeuchi emphasized.
Regarding the force, U20 Vietnam lacks some players due to injuries. The coaching staff has proactively sought replacements, while focusing on improving the foundation and narrowing the gap in capacity between positions.
Up to now, the entire U20 Vietnam team from the coaching staff to the players are ready to enter the tournament," coach Yutaka Ikeuchi affirmed.
Captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh said that the whole team maintained cohesion in the preparation process and assessed the force additions as a positive factor. He also sent words to fans: "We promise to play with the highest determination for the colors of the Vietnamese flag. Hopefully the audience will come to the stadium in large numbers to add strength for U20 Vietnam to play well in this qualifying round.
In Group C, U20 Vietnam competes with U20 DPRK, U20 Palestine and U20 Iran. The opening match of coach Yutaka Ikeuchi's team against U20 DPRK takes place on August 31st at Viet Tri Stadium.
On August 30, VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu and VFF Secretary General Nguyen Van Phu visited and encouraged U20 Vietnam before the U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. VFF leaders acknowledged the team's serious preparation process, and at the same time requested the coaching staff and players to continue to promote the spirit of solidarity, maintain concentration and compete with the highest determination. U20 Vietnam will successively meet U20 DPRK, U20 Palestine and U20 Iran in Group C.
