Vietnam's U17 players train in Japan in May. The team is preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand. (Photo courtesy of VFF) Vietnam will play defending champions Japan, powerhouse Uzbekistanand India in Group D. Their campaign will begin on June 17 against India.
India matched their best finish from 2002 when they reached thequarter-finals in 2018 meanwhile Vietnam best finish was fourth in 2000.
It is Japan's 14th consecutive involvement and 16th overall – bothrecords – in this continental tournament. The Japanese won three titles in1994, 2006 and 2018 – the most of any team.
Uzbekistan were the 2012 champions.
Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Japan secured their places in the finalsafter they were all unbeaten in the qualifying rounds.
Japan and Vietnam displayed steely defensive performances,securing their places without conceding a single goal.
"Japan are strong in all national team levels. Vietnam oftenchoose Japan as a destination for training courses prior to big events, mainlybecause of the country's high football quality," said Tuan.
"India played very well in the qualifier, beating theirrivals with high scores. They even had draws with Uzbekistan, meaning that theyare not bad at all.
"Uzbekistan are good from junior level to U23s. Their wins atthe Asian U23 championship titles in 2018 and Asian U20s in 2022 proved theirability as young footballers.
"However, at the age of U17, players are still learning. Allassessment is on paper. The importance is the preparation for them in bothprofession and spirit.
Tuan's teens travelled to Qatar and Japan to train ahead of thechampionship. Among their friendly matches, they drew 0-0 with Laos, beat Qatar2-0 and lost 0-2 to Yemen.
"Vietnam had one month to train and earned positive resultsin friendlies that helped us to have experience and make adjustments to beconfident for this competition," Tuan said.
The group stage will conclude on June 23 before the quarter-finalsstart two days later, with the champions to be crowned on July 2 at the finalin Pathum Thani Stadium.
The Asian Cup is a qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2023.The top four will be AFC’s representatives at the global showpiece in November.
Players to watch
India advanced from a tough qualifying group that included SaudiArabia and forward Thanglalsoun Gangte's five goals played a major role in themsecuring a third consecutive appearance at the finals.
Japan scored for fun in the qualifiers, finding the back of thenet 15 times in Group A but crucially, conceded none.
The major reason for that was defender Kotaro Honda, with thecaptain marshalling what proved to be an impenetrable defence and more will beexpected from him as Japan look to retain the title after having won the AFCU16 Championship 2018.
Lazizbek Mirzaev played the captain's role to perfection asUzbekistan topped Group J of the qualifiers.
The midfielder scored four goals, including one in the 3-2 winagainst the Republic of Korea and he will lead the charge as Uzbekistan look to add thetitle to the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2023 crown already in their possession.
Midfielder Nguyen Cong Phuong looked destined for a successfulcareer after guiding Vietnam into the finals in stellar fashion.
His leadership qualities aside, the midfielder also contributestwo goals and Vietnam will be looking to their skipper for an inspired run inthe tournament./.
VNA
