U19 Vietnam miss final match after humiliating loss on home turf

NDO—A heavy 2-5 defeat to U19 Australia at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium late September 22 demolished hosts U19 Vietnam’s goal of reaching the final match of the ASEAN Football Federation Vietcombank U19 Youth Championship.

U19 Vietnam (in white) now only have chance to compete for third place after suffering a humiliating 2-5 loss to their Australian rivals (yellow) in the semifinal in Hanoi on September 22. (Credit: vietnamnet.vn)
U19 Vietnam (in white) now only have chance to compete for third place after suffering a humiliating 2-5 loss to their Australian rivals (yellow) in the semifinal in Hanoi on September 22. (Credit: vietnamnet.vn)

>>> Vietnam make semifinals of regional U-19 championship

Australia surprised the hosts by repeatedly breaking through their ranks thanks to their speed, physique and excellent technique. In addition, the Australians also put heavy pressure on and blocked U19 Vietnam’s attacks.

Meanwhile, the hosts, who were runners-up at last year’s event, had a really terrible first half in both determination and play. They left open too much space, and their rivals took advantage of that, so goals kept coming for Australia.

In the 21st minute, Australia made the first goal after O’Toole from the left delivered the ball to Blackwood to easily net the ball into the near corner.

Three minutes later, Vietnam’s defensive line made a mistake, letting Blackwood easily break through from the right. He passed the ball to Shabow before the player delivered a close-range finish, widening the gap to 2-0.

In the 35th minute, it was Shabow again who curved the ball into the far corner, putting U19 Australia ahead with a 3-0 lead.

Vietnam strengthened their squad in the 2nd half, but did not put enough pressure on Australia, as they could not hold the ball.

In the 53rd minute, the home team conceded another goal after Shabow beat goalkeeper Tien Dung with a close-range header, giving his team a four-goal advantage.

Despite Vietnam’s efforts to fight back with two goals by Minh Di in the 58th minute and Duc Chinh in the 68th minute, the game was already decided. Champness scored in the 85th minute after an exemplary counterattack, putting an end to Vietnam’s hopes.

Vietnam will play Timor-Leste for third place, while Australia will play Thailand tomorrow for the title.