DBasia.news – The national football team will play against another Asian giant, Japan in the 16th round of the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games at the Chandrabhaga Patriot Stadium, Bekasi this Friday.
This was after the Samurai Blue squad had fallen 0-1 in the hands of Vietnam in the final Group D stage that took place at Stadium Wibawa Mukti, Cikarang, today.
The only goal of the game was scored by Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai as early as the third minute.
The results show that Vietnam, who is also the runner-up for the Under-23 Championship (B-23) Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 2018, confirmed the ticket as Group D’s champion with nine points.
Meanwhile, Japan that is managed by Moriyasu Hajime was forced to settle for a runner-up position after picking up six points.
With tickets as Group D’s champion, Park Hang Seo’s squad is seen to have an easier route when scheduled to meet the third best team from Group B, E or F.
Earlier, Malaysia confirmed the spot to round 16 after winning Krygyzstan 3-1 and South Korea 2-1 to appear as Group E’s champion.
Based on a record meeting between Malaysia and South Korea, Malaysia’s place as champions for the group championship will not be affected despite Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s men defeated by Bahrain.