AFC U20 Asian Cup: Group B: Vietnam edge Australia

Australia started brightly, with Adrian Segecic floating a delightful ball into the box off a set-piece in the opening minute but Vietnam were able to contain the threat.

Vietnam found themselves pinned in their own half in the opening five minutes as Segecic threatened again moments later when his cross off a corner had to be hastily cleared by the Vietnam defenders.

Despite having to defend deep, Vietnam scored against the run of play in the sixth minute when Khuat Van Khang released Quoc Viet, who burst through the Australian defence before finding the space to slot home the opener.

Australia found it rather heavy going after the shock of going behind but wasted a wonderful chance to draw level in the 42nd minute when Gabriel Popovic angled his header straight into the arms of Vietnam keeper Cao Van Binh.

At the other end, goalkeeper Jack Warshawsky came to Australia’s rescue at the stroke of half-time when he denied Nguyen Thanh Nhan’s glancing header off Nguyen Duc Phu’s cross at the near post.

Both teams had early opportunities to score in the opening minutes of the second half with Segecic threatening a minute into the restart, while Vietnam’s Nguyen Van Truong came close with his effort five minutes later.

Australia almost conceded a second goal at the hour-mark when Ho Van Cuong sent a delightful through ball to Nguyen Thanh Nhan, whose effort missed the left post by mere centimetres.

Vietnam wasted another opportunity to double their advantage in the 76th minute when Bui Vi Hao did well to beat his marker on the counter-attack but sent his his effort wide.

Vietnam face Qatar on Saturday, while Australia will hope to bounce back when they take on Islamic Republic of Iran.