Vietnam’s chances of advancing to the second stage of the AFC U-19 Championship 2014 which kicked off on October 9 in Myanmar vanished after being beaten by Japan 3-1 in the second qualifying round of Group C on Saturday.

Vietnam’s midfielder Tuan Anh fights for the ball with Japan’s Kawaba Hayao during their AFC U-19 Championship 2014 football (soccer) match in Myanmar on October 11, 2014.

In the 59 minute, Okugawa Masaya opened the scoring, giving Japan a 1-0 lead. Vietnam’s Thanh Tung midfielder leveled the score 1-1 in the 89th minute.

However, Nakatani and Ideguchi from Japan scored two consecutive goals three minutes apart in the 95th and 97th minute to defeat Vietnam 3-1.

Thanks to this loss to Japan today, Vietnam was officially eliminated from the Asian U-19 cup after the Southeast Asian country suffered a humiliating 0-6 defeat two days ago against reigning champions South Korea in their opening match in Group C.

Japan also lost 2-1 to China in their opening game in Group C.

Next Monday, Japan will take on South Korea in an attempt to seek a spot in the last-eight round while Vietnam will play against China in the hope of earning their first win in the group.

Sixteen teams are placed in four groups at the AFC U-19 Championship 2014, with games played in Yangon and Naypyidaw.

South Korea are the defending champions at this competition. They beat Iraq 4-1 in a penalty shootout after drawing with them 1-1 in 120 minutes in the finale of the 2012 championship in the United Arab Emirates.

Source : TuoitreNews