Quang Hai (left) has scored two goals for Vietnam U23s so far in the 2018 Asian Games. (Photo: vnexpress.net).

Ahead of their Sunday meeting, Vietnam and Japan had booked their Round of 16 places after finishing victorious in their first two group matches.

However, both entered the match with great determination targeting the group’s overall top spot in the hopes of avoiding strong opponents in the next round.

Quang Hai gave Park Hang-seo’s side a fabulous start, as he opened the scoring after only three minutes. Taking advantage of Yuta Makiza’s careless handling, the Hanoi FC player snatched the ball and beat Japanese keeper Obi Powell Obinna with a cunning finish at bottom corner.

Vietnamese players celebrate Quang Hai's goal during the match. (Photo: vnexpress.net).

The early opener inspired Vietnam to play more confidently and successfully set the pace of the match throughout the first half.

Vietnam captain Van Quyet threatened the Japanese goal by skewing a left-foot volley off a post in a good attacking situation by Vietnam U23s in the 13th minute.

Japan produced a number of attacks on the Vietnamese side before the break, but none of them was sharp enough to be converted into an equalizer.

After a slow start, Japan coach Moriyasu Hajime put key forward Yuto Iwasaki onto the field seeking to strengthen attacks for the “Samurai Blue”.

The lineup and strategy adjustments helped Japan to reclaim ball possession and created several chances to tie up the score, including a 49th-minute header from close range and a 70th-minute powerful strike from outside the box, which was stopped by Vietnam goalie Bui Tien Dung.

The hearts of Vietnam’s fans and coaching staff skipped a beat when Japan found the back of the net ten minutes from overtime. It was lucky for Park Hang-seo’s side as Maeda’s goal was denied by the referee for offside.

Vietnam U23s top Group D with three straight wins.

The last minutes of the match saw a number of noticeable attacks by the Vietnamese side, but Duc Chinh, Cong Phuong and Van Duc could not convert any of them into the second goal for the “yellow stars”.

By beating Japan 1-0, Vietnam U23s officially claimed top spot overall in Group D with nine points. Next up for Park’s side will be a Round of 16 clashes with the best third-placed team of Group B, E and F. Meanwhile, as the Group D runners-up, Japan will battle it out against the Group E winners, Malaysia, for a place in the quarterfinals.

Source: NDO