Losing to U20 Iran, U20 Vietnam says goodbye to U20 Asian Championship

U20 Vietnam (red shirt) tried hard but had to accept defeat against U20 Iran - Photo: AFC

With the pressure to win, U20 Iran quickly pushed up their formation. The team from West Asia took advantage of the high balls to make things difficult for U20 Vietnam. This style of play made goalkeeper Van Binh and the Vietnamese defenders struggle to block many times.

But despite the pressure, U20 Vietnam still had moments of initiative. Khuat Van Khang showed his class with a difficult free kick in the 15th minute. The ball hit the post of goalkeeper Zarei's goal. A few minutes later, it was Vi Hao's turn to have a chance but his shot was blocked by the Iranian goalkeeper.

After many ineffective attacks, U20 Iran had to rely on a set piece to score. From a cross from the free kick spot, captain Hazbavi jumped high to head the ball past goalkeeper Van Binh.

At this time, U20 Australia had a safe lead over U20 Qatar. Therefore, U20 Vietnam was at a disadvantage. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan was forced to send two strategic players, Quoc Viet and Van Truong, onto the field in the second half.

This helped U20 Vietnam play more freely. In the first minutes of the half, the red team confidently held the ball and deployed their play. This caused the U20 Iran defense to leave gaps.

In the 56th minute, Hong Phuc suddenly escaped to an open space on the right wing. His pass was too convenient for Van Khang to finish and equalize. The important goal helped U20 Vietnam regain the top spot. Meanwhile, U20 Iran was once again put in a chasing position.

They continued to use the aerial ball. However, when it did not work, coach Marfavi made an adjustment. He sent fast players onto the field to exploit the flanks. And this helped Iran U20 score the second goal.

Amirreza Eslamtalab dribbled skillfully down the right wing, passing two Vietnamese players. His pass was just in time for Saharkhizan to tap the ball into the net. With no way back, U20 Vietnam once again had to push up their formation.

However, coach Hoang Anh Tuan's strikers wasted regrettable opportunities. Most notably, Quoc Viet's unmarked header from close range was blocked by goalkeeper Zarei.

Unable to take advantage of the opportunity, U20 Vietnam conceded another goal in the final minutes. Losing 1-3, U20 Vietnam had to watch U20 Iran and U20 Australia win tickets to continue in Group B.

Line-up:

U20 Vietnam: Van Binh, Manh Hung, Duc Anh, Nguyen Hoang, Duc Phu, Duc Viet, Thanh Nhan, Van Khang, Vi Hao, Dinh Bac, Hong Phuc

U20 Iran: Seifi, Hazbavi, Kor, Enayatzadeh, Saharkhizan, Zarei, Pilali, Fakhrian, Iri, Safari Laksar, Hajizadeh

According to Tuoi Tre

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