Vietnam officially bowed out of the 2018 AFC U-19 Championship in Indonesia empty-handed after suffering three defeats, with a 1-3 loss to South Korea in the last group-stage game being the final nail in the coffin.

With nothing to lose after being eliminated following their second successive loss on Monday, Vietnam left in all on the field against South Korea in their last game at the tournament. 

Despite the score, the match was a real nail-biter as each side was in full attack mode. 

South Korea staged a dangerous attack in the third minute that saw the ball ricochet off the goalpost and crossbar, as goalkeeper Duong Tung Lam attempted to keep the net clean while he replaced Y Eli Nie who conceded four goals in the previous two games.

However, it was not South Korea but Vietnam that scored the first goal. 

With a quick counter-attack down the right wing in the 13th minute, Vietnam’s Huu Thang passed a free-kick to Le Minh Binh, who then cut a pass back to Le Xuan Tu.

Tu easily sank the ball in the back of South Korea’s net. 

Led by one goal, South Korea increased pressure to create a lot of opportunities but failed to convert them, including a wasteful penalty in the 34th minute.

With constant pressure, South Korea enjoyed another spot-kick at the end of the first half following Quang Nho’s handball in the box.

Cho Young-Wook, who took on the responsibility, succeeded in sending Y Eli Nie, substitute for Lam in the 30th minute, the wrong way.

After the break, South Korea continued to put pressure on Vietnam’s defense but faced an astounding performance from Y Eli Nie, who seemed focused on redeeming himself for a poor showing in the last two games.

At least five on-target shots from the South Korean players were saved by Vietnam’s goalkeeper.

But before a strong side, Vietnam had to concede two more goals by Kim Hyun-Woo in the 77th minute, and Cho Young-Wook in the third minute of additional time from a penalty for South Korea.

The result guaranteed South Korea the top spot in Group C. They will be joined in the quarterfinals by Australia, who finished second after a 1-1 draw with Jordan the same evening.

Meanwhile, Vietnam will head for the airport and enjoy the rest of the 2018 AFC U-19 Championship in their homeland.

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