Vietnam join DPR Korea in U-16 finals

Vietnam drew 0-0 with Myanmar to narrowly qualify for next year’s AFC U-16 Championship 2010 finals along with Group G winners DPR Korea.

The Vietnamese finished with eight points, the same as hosts Thailand, but go through because of the two teams’ head-to-head record.

Vietnam had beaten Thailand 1-0 on October 11.

There was heartbreak for the Thais, who ledKoreaRepublic 2-1 before Kwon Chang-hoon equalised in the 82nd minute to make it 2-2.

DPR Korea completed their programme with a 5-0 victory over Cambodia for four wins and one draw, giving them a total of 13 points.

The Thais knew they had to win againstKoreaRepublic to put pressure on Vietnam but it was the Koreans who took the lead through Kim Seung-jun after only six minutes.

Thailand fought back in the second half and raised hopes of a top two place in the group as Ekkaphop Saensa and Subun Ngernprasert scored in the 63rd and 72nd minute respectively.

But their heroics were cancelled out by Kwon, who scored eight minutes from the end.

DPR Korea had a stroll against Cambodia. Jang Ok-chol gave them a second-minute lead and then doubles from Jo Kwang and Ri Ji-song completed their comprehensive victory.

Teams who have so far qualified for the finals

Group B

Iran

Tajikistan

Group C

Syria

Iraq

Group D

United Arab Emirates

Jordan

Group E

Japan

Indonesia

Group F

China

Timor Leste

Group G

DPR Korea

Vietnam

Group H

Australia