The host Viet Nam lost 3-2 to Japan in the last match today of group B of the under-19 football tournament Nutifood Cup held in Ha Noi from September 5-13. Yet, the host still wins a spot to play with Myanmar in the semifinals.

Striker Van Toan opened the score for Viet Nam in the 21^st minute.

After a series of short and fast passes in front of the Japan box, Van Toan in a favorable position turned round and blasted a powerful shot at a distance of 20 meters to the far corner of the goal frame and beat Japanese goalkeeper Nakamura Kosuke.

Vietnamese striker Cong Phuong (No.10) is challenged by a Japanese player during the match in Ha Noi on September 9

Earlier, the goal frame of Viet Nam was challenged by a dangerous attack of Japan. However, Japanese striker Ochi Yamoto shot the ball wide.

In the second half, Japan scored three goals before Viet Nam shortened the gap to 3-2 thanks to a penalty kick in the 89^th minute.

Both Japan and Viet Nam launched dangerous attacks towards each other in the second half of the match. At the 48^th minute, Japanese midfielder Okugawa Masaya received the ball and sped up to leave behind Vietnamese defenders. However, the Japanese player couldn’t win keeper Minh Toan.

Four minutes later, Ochi Yamato from the right side made a cross in front of the Vietnamese box. Masaya sped up and shot the ball onto the goal post.

At the 58^th minute, Japan successfully leveled it 1-1 following a simple attack. From the midfield, Japanese striker Ideguchi Yosuke dribbled the ball towards the Vietnamese goal and made a shot at the distance of 30 meters. The ball flew into the far corner of Viet Nam goal.

So, Viet Nam as the second-ranked team in group B will encounter group A leader Myanmar, who crushed Indonesia 3-0 today, in the semifinals.