Southeast Asian media praised the Vietnamese U17 team's comeback against Australia, impressed by their cleverly executed free kick.

Southeast Asian media spoke out after Vietnam U17 defeated Australia U17 2-1 in the semifinals of the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship.

On the evening of April 22, Vietnam U17 reversed the score to win 2-1 against Australia U17 thanks to goals from Manh Cuong and Nguyen Luc. The Suaramerdeka of Indonesia published an article about this match: "Vietnam U17 successfully staged a comeback in the semifinal of the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Cup against Australia at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo."

The newspaper from the archipelago wrote about the first half of the match: "In this second semifinal, Vietnam U17 conceded a goal from Australian player Luke Becvinovski's strike in the 10th minute. Vietnam U17 had an opportunity to equalize 1-1 after the referee awarded a penalty due to an Australian player's foul during stoppage time in the first half. However, Dai Nhan's penalty shot hit the post. Fortunately, Manh Cuong reacted quickly, heading the rebound into Australia's net. The score was leveled 1-1 before the teams went into halftime break."

The Suaramerdeka praised Vietnam U17 for the goal that increased the score to 2-1 after a cleverly arranged free kick. "Australia U17, a team unbeaten in the group stage and even having conceded no goals, had to succumb to Vietnam U17 players in the 59th minute. Starting from a free kick on the right flank, a Vietnam U17 player delivered a low pass and Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc successfully rushed in to finish," wrote the Suaramerdeka paper.

The Detik Sport of Indonesia exclaimed: "After defeating Australia U17 2-1, Vietnam U17 challenges Malaysia in the Southeast Asian U17 final."

The BolaSport published an article with the headline: "Result of the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship: The reigning champion stops, Vietnam stages a comeback to defeat Australia and advance to the final."

The CNN Indonesia wrote: "Result of the Southeast Asian U17: After defeating Australia U17, Vietnam U17 faces Malaysia in the final."

According to the schedule, Vietnam U17 will play the final against Malaysia U17 on April 24. Previously, the two teams met in the group stage. At that time, Vietnam U17 achieved a dominant victory with a score of 4-0.