Vietnam’s impressive run in the 2018 Asian Games has continued after a 1-0 extra time victory over Syria in the quarterfinals, courtesy of a goal from 22-year-old attacker Nguyen Van Toan. The South East Asian outfit is still yet to concede a goal at the competition, making them the tournament’s tightest defence.
Defending champions South Korea are also still in the hunt for a second successive gold medal, after a frenetic 4-3 victory over Uzbekistan. They will present a stern test for Vietnam in the semi-finals.
Elsewhere, a youthful Japan side continue their preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia. They are now set to face the United Arab Emirates in the tournament’s penultimate round, as they progressed after beating North Korea in a penalty shootout.
The games’ women’s tournament is also at the semi-final stage, with two exciting ties set to take place tonight. South Korea will take on neighbours Japan before a politically charged derby between mainland China and Chinese Taipei, in a game that remains a controversial reminder of the proliferation of politics into the beautiful game.
Thailand and Vietnam were South-East Asia’s representatives in the knockout stages, but they both exited the competition at the quarter-finals.