Iran, Japan share spoils in AFC U-19 Championship match
The Iranian and Japanese national youth teams have played out a goalless draw to split points at the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Championship in the Persian Gulf kingdom of Bahrain.
Iran looked more cohesive in its attacks in the first half of the Group C fixture at Bahrain National Stadium in the Bahraini capital Manama on Monday, and midfielder Reza Shekaari struck a fine shot outside the penalty area towards the Samurais’ net in the 10th minute.
The ball, however, hit the frame of the goal and rebounded onto the field of play.
Iranian and Japanese soccer players could not direct their shots on target later on, and were off having tacked no goal.
After the break, both teams made all attempts to find the elusive goal, but were unable to break the deadlock.
The draw took Japan’s tally to four points from two matches, while Iran credited another single point to its account following the opening match draw against the defending champions Qatar on October 14.
Iran's national youth soccer team, domestically known by the nickname Team Melli Javanan, is scheduled to face Yemen on Thursday.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is drawn in Group C of the group stage of the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship, and is drawn with Qatar, Asian powerhouse Japan, and Yemen.
The hosts are drawn in Group A, and have joined the 2012 champions South Korea as well as Saudi Arabia.
Group B constitutes of the 2014 runner-up North Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Vietnam. Australia, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan form Group D.
The 2016 AFC U-19 Championship, which is the 39th edition of the tournament, started on October 13 and will finish on October 30.
The championship acts as the AFC qualifier for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea, with the top four teams qualifying.
Since South Korea has already qualified automatically as the AFC U-19 Championship host, the fifth-placed team will also qualify for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup if the South Korean team finishes in the top four.
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