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25 October 2016

AFC U19 Championship : Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan and Iran seal World Cup U20 spots !

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The AFC U19 Championship is currently taking place at Bahrain (October 13-October 30). Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan and Iran have reached the semi-finals and have booked also their place in the World Cup U20 as the top four teams of the AFC U19 Championship are automatically qualified for the World Cup U20 !

Iraq–Saudi Arabia : 2-2 (5-6 pen)

After a thrilling game, Saudi Arabia have beaten Iraq. The Saudis took the lead after 65 minutes thanks to Rakan Alanaze and Abdulrahman Al Yami doubled the lead four minutes later with a curled effort. However, Iraq came from behind and levelled the scores : after 75 minutes, Sajjad Hussein has reduced the deficit with a diving header and then Mazin Fayyadh netted the equaliser after 79 minutes with a powerful shot ! Finally, the Saudis triumphed over Iraq in the penalty shootout and secured a semi-final berth.

Bahrain–Vietnam : 0-1

This was certainly not a classic quarter-final by any standards ! Thanks to their 1-0 win over the country host Bahraïn, Vietnam sealed a semi-final spot and they are also qualified for the World Cup U20 for the first time in their history ! Tran Thanh was the man of the match as he netted the winning goal after 72 minutes.

Japan-Tajikistan : 4-0

Japan hammered Tajikistan thanks to a Kogi Ogawa’s brace, a strike into the top corner from Ritsu Doan and a late goal from Yuto Iwasaki. The Samuraï Blue are very impressive since the start to the competition as they netted 10 goals and have not conceded a goal in 4 games. With their performances, Japan send warning to their next opponents, Vietnam !

Uzbekistan-Iran : 0-2

After beating Uzebkistan, Iran clinched their place in the World Cup U20 for the first time since 2001. The Iranians can thank Reza Jafari who netted a brace. The 19-year-old forward scored the opening goal from close range after 14 minutes. Then, he doubled the Iran’s lead with a lovely chip. Iran will face Saudi Arabia in the last four.

Semi-finals (October 27) :

Saudi Arabia – Iran
Vietnam-Japan

Amayes Brahmi - Follow @AmayesB
Credits Photo : The AFC