Under-19s lose in Asian qualifying opener

The Vietnam under-19 football team lost 0-2 to Australia in the qualifying round of the Asian championship, Group G, in Ho Chi Minh City on November 8.

Also the same day, in group G, the Republic of Korea defeated Indonesia 3-0.

Hosts Vietnam troubled their Australian opponents in the first half with a quick passing game.

Nguyen Van Quan came close to opening the scoring for the hosts after ten minutes when his freekick from outside the box was fumbled by Aussie goalie Andrew Redmayne. However, the goalie’s mistake was luckily covered by a defender, who cleared off the line.

Nguyen Duc Nhan and Hoang Van Binh produced a good combination to set up Tran Minh Dung, who was denied by Redmayne.

The hosts tired out after the break and the young Socceroos dominated the game and scored two goals by Isaka Cernak-Okanya and substitute Mitchell Nichols.   

The Republic of Korea and Australia stood neck-and-neck at the top of group G with 6 points while Vietnam, Indonesia and Guam have yet to earn a point. Earlier, the Republic of Korea trounced Guam 28-0 and Australia beat Indonesia 2-0 in the first match day.

As the top-two teams from each of the seven groups advance to the Finals along with the best third-placed team, Vietnam may hope for a ticket as the third-placed team.

They will compete with Indonesia in a decider for the Group third place on November 10.

Nhan dan