Vietnam misses out on AFF U-19 title after final loss

Vietnamese guys’ (in white) efforts were praiseworthy despite their pitiful loss.

It was the third time U-19 Vietnam reached the final clash of a regional competition and also their third encounter against U-19 Japan. With enthusiastic support from a vast crowd of home fans, it had been strongly expected that Vietnam pull off a fabulous win and avenge their 2-3 group-stage qualifying loss to the Japanese.

French coach of Vietnam, Guillaume Graechen deployed the best lineup, with Xuan Truong and Tuan Anh assigned to control the midfield area, and Van Long and Quang Hai in two wings, supporting strikers Cong Phuong and Van Toan in the attack line.

Despite Vietnam’s better start to the game, it was Japan who got the first chance to open the scoring. Ideguchi unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box after 17 minutes, forcing Vietnamese keeper Van Truong make a smart block.

The deadlock remained unchanged during the first-half remainder as the two teams played cautiously and were stubborn in their defence.

After the break, Vietnam increased their pressure on the guests seeking to score. In the 57th minute, Cong Phuong and Van Toan threatened the Japanese goal with a harmonious one-touch combination, only to see their efforts denied by goalie Kosuke Nakamura .

Following many opportunities squandered lavishly, the Japanese finally found their way to Vietnam’s net with 15 minutes left. Genta Omotehara took a comfortable pass from Yamato Ochi before unleashing a stiff grounder to beat Vietnam keeper Van Truong and seal a narrow 1-0 for Japan.

In the third-place playoff earlier the same day, Thailand overcame Myanmar 1-0 thanks to Patipan’s solitary goal on second-half stoppage time.