Việt Nam vs Japan in the second match of Group D of the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand. Photo VFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam lost 0-4 to Japan on Tuesday in the second match of Group D of the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand.

Japan showed their strength with quick attacks with high accuracy shots, earning them the opening goal in the third minute. Their remaining three goals were scored in the second half.

Việt Nam’s best chance was a long shot from Nguyễn Công Phương that hit the bar.

With this loss, Việt Nam's chance to enter the quarter-finals are narrower and all hope now rests on the outcome of their last group match with Uzbekistan on Friday.

Previously, Việt Nam drew 1-1 with India in the opening match.

“Losing to Japan is a normal story. The important thing is that we still have the opportunity to continue, assuming we can play well in the last match against Uzbekistan", coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn said after the game.

“We have to forget about this loss and focus on the upcoming decisive match. In the next game you will see Việt Nam play with a completely different spirit. Regarding preparation, I can't answer right now. Let's wait until the game starts," Tuấn added.

When asked about the difference between the football backgrounds of Japan and Việt Nam, Tuấn said: "In the FIFA rankings, Japan have a much higher level than Việt Nam, and also higher than Southeast Asia in general. To fill this gap, it is necessary to carry out a lot of professional work and investment in training. We know that form and physical factors need a lot of time to change. Vietnamese football players are on the way to improving those things and I believe we will soon catch up with the top teams.” VNS