Brazil's coach makes an unexpected decision regarding Vietnam's national team roster.

Coach Cristiano Roland surprises by including four goalkeepers in Vietnam U17's squad for the Southeast Asia U17 Championship.

Coach Cristiano Roland drew attention by deciding to bring four goalkeepers in Vietnam U17's squad for the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Championship held in Indonesia. This uncommon choice indicates the coaching staff wants to enhance depth in the goalkeeping position. Typically, teams only carry three goalkeepers for a tournament, reserving registration slots for other positions.

Previously, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced the official list of 26 players. The four selected goalkeepers include Hồ Lê Nguyên Chương (Ho Chi Minh City), Chu Bá Huấn (Hanoi), Lý Xuân Hòa (PVF), and Nguyễn Tuấn Vũ (Dong A Thanh Hoa), creating notable competition for the goalkeeper spot.

Among them, Nguyễn Tuấn Vũ is a name receiving considerable attention, having been promoted to Dong A Thanh Hoa's first team. The goalkeeper born in 2008 had opportunities to train with experienced seniors like Y Êli Niê, Trịnh Xuân Hoàng, and Nguyễn Thanh Diệp, though his chance to secure the starting position in the tournament remains uncertain.

In the midfield, Coach Roland continues to trust the familiar core players who have competed at continental level. Names like Triệu Đình Vỹ, Duy Khang, Quý Vương, and Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực are expected to play key roles, especially Nguyễn Lực – regarded as the team's "conductor".

Compared to the initial list of 28 names, the two players excluded are defender Vũ Đức Huy (CAHN) and forward Nguyễn Mạnh Quân (Hanoi). Among them, Mạnh Quân is a name leaving much regret. Trần Mạnh Quân won top scorer awards in both the 2025 U15 and U17 National Championships, and also scored the most goals for Vietnam U17 in the 2026 Asian U17 qualification campaign.

Speaking before departure, Coach Cristiano Roland affirmed the whole team aims to advance as far as possible. Vietnam U17 is scheduled to depart for Indonesia on April 10, facing U17 Malaysia (April 13), U17 Timor Leste (April 16), and host U17 Indonesia (April 19), before competing for semifinal spots among the best-performing teams.

VFF Chairman motivates Vietnam U17 ahead of the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Championship.

OFFICIAL: Brazil's coach excludes Vietnam's highest-scoring player.