Vietnam came up well short at the semifinals of the U19 Southeast Asian Football Championship Monday, losing 1-4 to Australia.

Despite the defeat, the young players were warmly applauded by spectators at Thong Nhat Stadium for putting up a good show throughout the tournament.

After three group stage matches, the Aussies began to combine much better and were a different team, stronger and more dangerous.

It was not very attractive, but the socceroos were effective in their attacks and defense.

Facing much bigger rivals, the Vietnamese team focused on the right flank under the management of captain Van Quyet and strikers Dinh Bao and Minh Tuan upfront.

It was hard for Vietnam to find their way to the rivals’ goal but Vietnam had the first chance and Xuan Hung fired a shot from outside the penalty area that hit the post after just six minutes.

Vietnam conceded the first goal halfway through the second half after Mathew entered the penalty area and beat goalkeeper Anh Duc.

With the advantage of home soil and fan support, Vietnam launched faster attacks and their efforts were rewarded with an equalizer about five minutes later, Minh Tuan heading a Dinh Bao pass beyond the reach of Aussie goalkeeper Mark Birighitti into the far corner.

The equalizer was celebrated by thunderous applause from the stands and both teams were on equal terms until the 71st minute when Australia took the lead again after a free kick.

It was the turning point of the game. Vietnam began to attack more and left holes in their defense that gave the visitors two more goals in the final minutes.

Vietnam and Malaysia will fight for the third place Wednesday before the final match of the tournament between Australia and Thailand. Thailand beat Malaysia by a solitary goal in the other semifinal Monday.

Reported by Quang Huy