With a 1-0 win over the U16 Japan team, U16 Vietnam claimed the runner-up spot at the 2024 International U16 Peace Cup
Nguyễn Văn Bách’s solitary goal secured a 1-0 victory for the U16 Vietnam over the U16 Japan in their final match of the 2024 International U16 Peace Cup. As a result, the U16 Vietnam finished as the runner-up, falling short of the top position only on goal difference to the host team, U16 China.
21/08/2024 11:13:45
The 3-0 victory over U16 Uzbekistan boosted the confidence of the U16 Vietnam as they faced the strong U16 Japan in their final match of the tournament on the afternoon of August 20. The surprising performance of Coach Cristiano Roland’s squad against Uzbekistan likely contributed to U16 Japan being more cautious in the early minutes of the game. The Japanese team did not rush to push up and press as they usually do but maintained a moderate pace. As a result, even though the opposing team had better ball control, U16 Vietnam did not face excessive pressure in the early stages of the match.
In the 16th minute, a major surprise occurred when Nguyễn Văn Bách scored the opening goal for U16 Vietnam, making it 1-0. Following a pass from a teammate, the PVF forward struck decisively with his left foot, completely beating the U16 Japan goalkeeper.
Surprised by the setback, Japan adjusted their approach to the game. However, Coach Nozomi Hiroyama’s team struggled to break through the well-organized defense of U16 Vietnam. The score remained 1-0, with U16 Vietnam maintaining their lead until the end of the first half.
In the second half, U16 Vietnam continued to employ their defensive and counter-attacking strategy. Coach Roland’s tactics proved effective despite Japan’s relentless attempts to challenge Hoa Xuân Tín’s goal. U16 Vietnam managed to hold their ground and did not appear significantly outmatched. The ball control by Thái Hòa and his teammates remained at a satisfactory level.
As the match progressed into its final third, Coach Cristiano Roland made four substitutions in quick succession, enhancing both the attacking and defensive capabilities of U16 Vietnam while giving his players valuable match experience. These personnel changes also helped U16 Vietnam withstand numerous attacks from their opponents. In the 83rd minute, Hoa Xuân Tín made a crucial save, diving to block a dangerous direct free kick from Japan, which was their most significant opportunity of the game. Ultimately, U16 Vietnam secured a 1-0 victory.
With 6 points from their 3-0 victory over U16 Uzbekistan and 1-0 win against U16 Japan, the U16 Vietnam finished as the runner-up at the 2024 International U16 Peace Cup. The championship title went to U16 China, who secured first place after a 2-1 win over U16 Uzbekistan in their final match, surpassing U16 Vietnam on goal difference.
Tomorrow (August 21), the U16 Vietnam will return home and is expected to regroup in mid-September to continue their preparation for the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, which will take place in October.
