U20 Vietnam (in white) surprise strong rivals Japan with an opener in the 14th minute but could not hold on to their lead and suffered a 2-1 loss.

Vietnam suffered a 2-1 loss to title favourites Japan in their second group game on Sunday, despite trying hard against the strong rivals.

Both sides earned their respective victories over U20 Tajikistan in their opening matches to seal their places in the quarterfinals, so their confrontation yesterday was only to decide the group leading.

Reaching the last eight for the first time, Vietnam started well without pressure, while Japan also began brightly as they went in search of an early goal.

It was the Southeast Asians who found the back of the net first, thanks to An Lam Toi’s attempt in the 14th minute.

However, the lead lasted for less than a minute as Yamada Kaito levelled the score for Japan from distance.

Japan took the lead in the 18th minute as Motoishi Takehiro drilled a grounder into the bottom left corner of the net.

Truong Quoc Tuan’s side were more adventurous in the second half and in the 24th minute, Nhan Gia Hung intercepted Osaw Masashi’s pass in front of the box, leaving him with only Hiroshi to beat, but his shot smacked the post.

However, the equaliser was not to come as Japan maintained discipline to finish as Group C winners.

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