Sy Bach gave Vietnam national under-17 football team the lead in the 33rd minute, and the side coached by Cristiano Roland held their advantage until the 83rd minute.
However, a drop in concentration and physical exhaustion in the closing stages allowed South Korea national under-17 football team to score four unanswered goals and complete a dramatic comeback victory.
Vietnam’s U17 team suffer a 4-1 defeat to South Korea on May 10 (Photo: AFC).
Following the match, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) acknowledged the disappointment while urging the team to focus on their final group stage match against United Arab Emirates national under-17 football team on May 14 (Vietnam time).
“The defeat against South Korea means Vietnam U17 must work even harder in the final group match against UAE U17,” the federation wrote on its official website.
“Vietnam U17 could not secure an early World Cup qualification as hoped. The team still has one more match to pursue their dream of reaching the world stage.”
On its official social media page, the VFF also shared images of federation president Tran Quoc Tuan visiting the dressing room to encourage players following the defeat.
“After the match against South Korea U17, VFF president Tran Quoc Tuan and head coach Cristiano Roland met directly with the players to boost their morale,” the federation said.
VFF president Tran Quoc Tuan, in yellow, encourages the Vietnam U17 players after the defeat on May 10 (Photo: VFF).
“Although the result was not what we wanted, VFF leaders and the coaching staff emphasised that this would become a valuable lesson for the young players as they continue developing and gaining international experience.”
The federation also issued a message of encouragement to the squad.
“We still have another match ahead to continue fighting and hoping. Stay strong, young Vietnamese warriors.”
Vietnam U17’s qualification hopes remain in their own hands. A victory over UAE U17 in the final group match would likely secure a place in the quarter finals.
Teams reaching the quarter finals will also qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.