Vietnam U16 team finished as runners-up in the Peace Cup 2024.
The Vietnam U16 team secured a surprising victory against Japan U16 at the 2024 Peace Cup International U16 tournament, finishing as runners-up due to a lower goal difference than the host nation, China U16.
On the evening of August 20th, the Vietnam U16 team faced Japan U16 in the final match of the 2024 Peace Cup International U16 tournament.
The 3-0 victory against Uzbekistan U16 in their first match boosted the confidence of the Vietnam U16 team going into the game against the strong Japan U16 team. Perhaps the unexpected success of coach Cristiano Roland's team against Uzbekistan was also partly the reason why Japan U16 had to be more cautious in the opening minutes of the match.
The young Japanese team didn't rush to push forward and play a pressing game as they usually do, but instead maintained a moderate tempo. Therefore, even though the opposing team controlled the ball better, the Vietnamese U16 team didn't face too much pressure in the early stages of the match.
In the 16th minute, a major surprise occurred when Nguyen Van Bach scored the opening goal, giving Vietnam U16 a 1-0 lead. Following a pass from a teammate, the striker from PVF rushed in and decisively finished with his left foot, completely beating the Japan U16 goalkeeper.
Unexpectedly trailing, Japan changed their approach to the match. However, coach Nozomi Hiroyama's team was frustrated by the well-organized defense of Vietnam U16. Vietnam U16 maintained their 1-0 lead until the end of the first half.
In the second half, the Vietnam U16 team continued to maintain their defensive counter-attacking style of play. Coach Roland's tactics proved effective, even though Japan's attack constantly threatened Hoa Xuan Tin's goal. Vietnam U16's game wasn't completely dominated. Thai Hoa and his teammates maintained a sufficiently good level of ball possession.
With two-thirds of the match already played, coach Cristiano Roland made four consecutive substitutions, both to strengthen the fighting spirit and defensive capabilities of the Vietnam U16 team and to give his players a chance to gain match experience.
Furthermore, these personnel adjustments also helped the Vietnam U16 team withstand numerous attacks from their opponents. In the 83rd minute, Hoa Xuan Tin made a diving save to block a very dangerous free kick from the opponent. This was also the most dangerous opportunity created by Japan. Ultimately, Vietnam U16 won with a score of 1-0.
With 6 points earned from a 3-0 victory against Uzbekistan U16 and a 1-0 win against Japan U16, the Vietnam U16 team finished as runners-up in the 2024 Peace Cup International U16 tournament. The championship title went to China U16 after their 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan U16 in the final match, placing them above Vietnam U16 on goal difference.
On August 21st, the Vietnam U16 team will return to the country and is expected to reconvene in mid-September to continue preparing for the 2025 U17 Asian Championship Qualifiers, which will take place in October.