After surprisingly defeating Uzbekistan 3-0 in the second match of the 2024 Peace Cup International U16 friendly tournament, the Vietnam U16 team confidently entered their final match against Japan U16 – the highest-ranked team in the tournament. In their two previous matches, Japan U16 drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan and won 2-1 against China. Entering the game with high determination, Vietnam U16 created a big surprise by scoring the opening goal in the 16th minute. Van Bach tapped the ball in from close range after a cross from his teammate, leaving the Japan U16 goalkeeper helpless. Despite facing a strong opponent, Vietnam U16 played well. In the 32nd minute, Xuan Tin cleared the ball off the goal line, preventing Vietnam U16 from conceding a goal.

Vietnam U16 team is improving with each match. Photo: VFF

In the final minutes of the first half, the Japanese U16 team relentlessly pressured the Vietnamese U16 team. However, coach Cristiano Roland's players fought hard, defending their 1-0 lead until the referee blew the final whistle. At the beginning of the second half, from a corner kick, a Vietnamese U16 player headed the ball over the crossbar from close range. The Japanese U16 team increased the pressure on the Vietnamese defense in an attempt to find an equalizer, but they were unsuccessful. Goalkeeper Xuan Tin played exceptionally well in this match.

Van Bach scored the winning goal for Vietnam U16.

Midway through the second half, coach Cristiano Roland made several substitutions to reinforce the defense, while the Japanese U16 team, unwilling to accept defeat, exerted immense pressure on goalkeeper Xuan Tin's goal. In the 83rd minute, Hoa Xuan Tin successfully saved a dangerous free kick from a Japanese U16 player. The match was drawing to a close, and victory was very close for the Vietnamese U16 team.

Vietnam U16 team pulls off a surprise victory against Japan.

The referee blew the final whistle, with Vietnam U16 winning 1-0 against Japan U16. This victory created a second major upset for coach Cristiano Roland's team in the tournament. Thus, Vietnam U16 finished the Peace Cup 2024 International U16 Friendly Tournament with one loss (0-4) against China, a 3-0 win against Uzbekistan, and a 1-0 win against Japan. With this result, Vietnam U16 secured the runner-up position (tied with China U16 on 6 points but with a lower goal difference). Vietnam U16 starting lineup: Hoa Xuan Tin, Nguyen Van Khanh, Le Huy Viet Anh, Nguyen Hong Quang, Le Tan Dung, Nguyen Thai Hoa, Dau Hong Phong, Nguyen Viet Long, Nguyen Van Bach, Pham Duy Long, Nguyen Thien Phu.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/u16-viet-nam-lai-gay-dia-chan-quat-nga-nhat-ban-tai-trung-quoc-2313891.html