Vietnam could not make another miracle in their amazing run in men’s football at the 2018 Asian Games (Asiad) as they succumbed to a 1-3 defeat by South Korea in the semifinals in Indonesia on Wednesday.

The Vietnamese men entered the game full of confidence and did not employ a defensive tactic against the four-time champions as many people had anticipated before the game took place.

But South Korea proved that they are of a much higher level than their rivals, scoring an early goal in the 7th minute and doubling the lead 21 minutes later.

Vietnam, who exhausted themselves in a 120-minute quarterfinal against Syria on Monday, could not do much but saw the first half end at 2-0 for South Korea.

The South Korean title holders continued to upset Vietnamese fans as Lee Seung Woo netted their third goal ten minutes into the second half.

As they had nothing to lose, the Vietnamese side from that point put more pressure on the South Korean defense line and were awarded a direct free-kick from a distance of approximately 20 meters in the 70th minute.

Tran Minh Vuong, who substituted Luong Xuan Truong, did not miss the opportunity to deliver a sharp free-kick to salvage a goal for Vietnam.

Vietnam’s men football team clap their hands to show their gratitude to supporters after the semifinal against South Korea in Indonesia on August 29, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Vietnam did not give up their efforts until the very last minutes of the match, but South Korea managed to hold the 3-1 scoreline when the referee blew for full time.

In the other semifinal on Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates were beaten 0-1 by Japan.

Both the bronze medal match between Vietnam and the UAE, and South Korea’s clash to defend their championship against Japan will take place on Saturday, September 1.

Despite their failure to grasp the final ticket, the Vietnamese men’s football team, long seen as underdogs at continental playgrounds, can still keep their chins up with their inspirational run so far at the 2018 Asian Games.

The team made it to the semifinals after five straight victories without a single goal conceded, a performance better than any other national squads in the country’s football history.

Vietnamese football fans still took to the streets on Wednesday night as being in the third-place game is more than enough for celebration.

The pencak silat team brightened up the mood of the Vietnamese supporters with two more precious gold medals in men’s 90-95kg and 70-75kg events the same day.

Team Vietnam has won four gold medals so far, already exceeding its target of three.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!