Midfielder Nguyễn Đình Bắc (12) struggles to contain an experienced Iran side. VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Linh

Anh Đức

HANGZHOU The Việt Nam men's Olympic football team lost 0-4 to Iran on Thursday in their second match of the 2022 Asian Games Group B.

This is the biggest defeat ever for a Việt Nam Olympic football team, with Motahhari, Khalegabad, Mamizadeh, Barzegar scoring for Iran.

Four-time Olympic champions Iran, although with a small squad of 17 players, dominated Việt Nam, who brought a very young squad comprising of mostly U20 players.

In the fifth minute, Iran got their opening goal after wingback Jafari crossed in for Motahhari to head the ball into far corner, giving Quan Văn Chuẩn no chance.

Việt Nam stayed firm and ended the first half with a one goal deficit. However, just two minutes after the break, a failed clearance by Nguyễn Đức Anh put Saman Khaleghabad through on goal, and the Iranian doubled the lead.

Đức Anh was subbed off by coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn, but the move did not work, as Việt Nam conceded a third just four minutes later, courtesy of a stunning goal by Mahdi Mamizadeh, whose shot from 18 metres went into the top corner.

Iran topped off their commanding performance with a fourth goal in the second minute of added time, as Barzegar headed in a corner.

With this result, Việt Nam dropped down to third place in Group B. They will face Saudi Arabia on Sunday, knowing a draw or a narrow defeat to the current would be enough for qualification as one of the best third-place finishers. VNS