Vietnam U17 keep World Cup hopes alive after draw against Japan

U17 Vietnam players hug Tran Gia Bao to celebrate the equalizer in the sixth minute of injury time against Japan on April 7, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

Vietnam looked set to leave Okadh Stadium in Saudi Arabia with a narrow defeat, but drama unfolded in the fourth minute of stoppage time. A long ball into Japan’s penalty area caused confusion in the defense, allowing Tran Gia Bao to break through and win the ball. Goalkeeper Ibuki Ejike was a step late coming out and fouled the Vietnamese striker. Referee Morteza Mansourian immediately pointed to the spot.

Bao stepped up to take the penalty. On the sidelines, his teammates knelt in anticipation. Moments later, the field erupted as the forward calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, sending Ejike the wrong way. Vietnam's substitutes came to celebrate with Bao before the referee blew the final whistle on an emotional night.

This marked Vietnam's first-ever draw against Japan at the U17 Asian Cup, having lost all five of their previous encounters: 0-2 (2000 group stage), 2-4 (2000 bronze medal match), 0-6 (2010 group stage), 0-7 (2016 group stage) and 0-4 (2023 group stage).

For this match, Japan's coach Nozomi Hiroyama made three changes from their opening 4-1 win over the UAE. Goalkeeper Ejike replaced Hiroto Matsuura, while defenders Rento Noguchi and Makoto Himeno came in for Asuto Fujita and Ryota Hariu.

Vietnam made just one change, swapping striker Nguyen Thien Phu for Nguyen Van Bach.

As expected, Japan dominated possession but struggled to break down Vietnam’s disciplined defense. It was not until the 11th minute that they managed their first shot, which Shota Fujii blasted over the bar. Soon after, Taito Kanda connected with a low cross but could not beat keeper Hoa Xuan Tin.

Japan finally broke the deadlock from a corner. The ball was lofted into the box, and while center-back Nguyen Hong Quang tracked the play, Minato Yoshida outjumped him to head home. It was Yoshida’s third goal in two matches, all from headers.

For the rest of the game, Japan dominated in possession, but Vietnam’s compact defense held firm. Vietnam tried to launch counterattacks through Van Bach or Viet Long, but most were easily snuffed out.

The draw gives Vietnam two points after two matches, placing them third in group B. Japan lead with four points, while the UAE climbed to second after a surprising 2-0 win over Australia.

Vietnam will face the UAE in the final group stage match, while Japan meet Australia. Both games kick off on April 10.

The 2025 U17 Asian Cup takes place in Saudi Arabia from April 3 to 20. The 16 teams are divided into four groups and compete in a round-robin format. The four winners and four runners-up will advance to the quarterfinals and qualify for the U17 World Cup.