Brazil's coach adds national top scorer to Vietnam U17 squad

The leading scorer of the national U17 championship has been summoned to reinforce the Vietnam U17 squad.

Striker Trần Mạnh Quân, the top scorer of the U17 National Championship Finals – Thái Sơn Nam Cup 2025, has been added to the Vietnam U17 team roster currently training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, preparing for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Qualifiers.

This addition is essential for the Vietnam U17 team, especially as striker Nguyễn Lê Quang Khôi is unable to recover in time from a ligament injury and must miss the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Qualifiers.

At present, the Vietnam U17 team continues intensive training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center. With a squad featuring many new faces selected after impressive performances at the 2025 U17 National Championship Finals, head coach Cristiano Roland and his coaching staff are focusing on conveying tactical ideas and refining the players' style of play.

Additionally, physical conditioning is emphasized through a carefully designed program by Brazilian fitness expert Brandi Regato Neto, aiming to get players into peak condition before entering the international competition phase.

Recently, the team has played two friendly matches against strong opponents, the U18 PVF team, to test their tactical execution and adaptability of various positions.

In the first match, Vietnam U17 narrowly lost 0-1, while in the second game, they drew 3-3 after initially leading 3-0 in a controlled possession game. Coach Cristiano Roland made multiple lineup changes in the second half to experiment with personnel, which allowed the opponent to score three goals, but this provided the coaching staff with more detailed evaluations of each player's abilities.

According to the plan, the Vietnam U17 team will depart for training in Japan starting November 5. During this period, they are expected to play three friendly matches arranged by the Japan Football Association. On November 16, coach Cristiano Roland and his team will return home to begin final preparations before the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Qualifiers.