Despite being considered the underdogs, Philippe Troussier’s side delivered a good display against their Japanese opponents, who dominated possession and took more shots throughout the match.
The hosts created a number of dangerous attacks in the first half, but the lack of flexibility in decisive finishes prevented them from getting an opener.
Meanwhile, Japan almost nearly went ahead shortly before halftime, but Nakamura placed a powerful right-footed outside shot narrowly wide.
Sakuragawa threatened to score for Japan twice in the opening minutes of the second half, with a nasty header off the post (56’) and a left-footed volley which was stopped by Vietnamese goalkeeper Y Eli Nie (66’).
In the 73rd minute, Sakuragawa, one of the most active players on the Japanese side, was shown a straight red card and sent off following his foul on Tien Long. However, the Vietnamese team could not capitalise on this advantage to get on the scoresheet for the full three points.
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Vietnamese players look joyful after the match.
Playing out a goalless draw, both Japan and Vietnam concluded their Group J campaign with seven points. Due to a better goal difference, the Japanese finished on top of the group and secured a direct ticket to the 2020 AFC U19 Championship finals, to be hosted in Uzbekistan next October.
Meanwhile, Vietnam U19s also booked their place as one of the four best runner-up teams, alongside Laos (Group H), Yemen (Group B) and Cambodia (Group G).
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The coaching staff and players of Vietnam U19s celebrate securing a place in the 2020 AFC U19 Championship.
