Hot Vietnamese football news today 7/6: U19 Vietnam may be eliminated; Cong Phuong shares emotional words

Today's top Vietnamese football updates (7/6): U19 Vietnam at risk of being knocked out; Cong Phuong delivers an emotional message.

U19 Vietnam could be eliminated

Despite winning both opening matches convincingly at the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship, U19 Vietnam still faces the risk of elimination.

In the second matchday of Group C, Cambodia U19 defeated the Philippines U19 3-0. This result created a unique scenario in the race for semifinal spots, as the second-placed teams in Groups A, B, and C all have 3 points and a goal difference of +3.

The 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship consists of three groups. The top team from each group, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the semifinals.

Since Group C has only three teams, while Groups A and B each have four, the organizers will exclude results against the last-placed team when comparing runner-up performances.

U19 Vietnam now only needs a draw against hosts Indonesia to remain atop Group A and secure a direct semifinal berth. However, if they lose, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi's side will drop to second place and must await results from the other groups.

In an unfavorable scenario regarding tiebreakers, U19 Vietnam could still be eliminated despite winning both of their first two matches.

Cong Phuong shares emotional thoughts

After the 2025/26 National First Division season concluded, striker Cong Phuong expressed heartfelt sentiments, showing his determination to continue with Truong Tuoi Dong Nai on the journey ahead.

He wrote: "The two-year journey in the First Division has ended. The goal has been achieved. Though the outcome came late, effort has always been present and will always remain. Truly, no journey is easy. There are always difficulties and challenges, but with dedication, commitment, and aspiration, fortunately, the results have arrived.

Ahead still lies a long journey with an even greater desire for victory. Thank you to the fans of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai for always supporting the team. I hope everyone will continue to stand by us to build our hometown club's development. May smiles keep appearing on the path to conquering new challenges."

Last season, Cong Phuong mostly sat out due to injury. It was only toward the end of the season that he returned to play, managing to score three goals, including a stunning direct free-kick.

FIFA Talent Identification and Selection Criteria Workshop opens

On the afternoon of June 6 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), in collaboration with FIFA, organized the FIFA Workshop on Talent Identification and Selection Criteria.

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Tran Anh Tu, VFF Vice President; Ms. Nguyen Thanh Ha, VFF Deputy General Secretary; Mr. Tran Dinh Huan, General Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation; FIFA expert Eric Abrams; and nearly 40 participants from southern provinces and cities.

Representing the participants, Coach Doan Minh Xuong expressed gratitude to the organizers and the course teaching staff.

According to Coach Doan Minh Xuong, Vietnamese football has made significant progress over the years, especially in youth development. He recalled the milestone when Coach Hoang Anh Tuan led U20 Vietnam to the FIFA U20 World Cup 2017, thereby helping create a generation of talented players who contributed to Vietnam's football success under Coach Park Hang Seo.

Following the workshop held in Hanoi, VFF leaders noted several contributions to improve the quality of program organization in the southern region.

The FIFA Workshop on Talent Identification and Selection Criteria runs for three days in Ho Chi Minh City. Participants will attend theoretical classroom sessions combined with practical field activities.