Nanjing , China

Iran U 14 football reached the semi-finals of the 2nd Asian Youth Games with a victory over Vietnam in the match played in Wutaishan Stadium, Nanjing, Republic of China. The youngsters, who have dominated their group matches with a full mark, defeated the stubborn Vietnamese team 3-1 to reach the semi-final.

In the semifinal , Iran will meet Iraq on August 21^st for a place in the Final gold medal match.

Iran’s campaign started last Tuesday Aug 13^th, with a match against Indonesia.

The Iranian team defeated Indonesia 4-0 in Group C of the games at the Wutaishan Stadium in Nanjing, China.  Ali Najafi (26’), Mohammad Soltanimehr (28’ and 62’) and Shahab Rashno (61’) scored for Iran.

Saudi Arabia drew with Hong Kong 1-1 in the group.

Iran then faced Hong Kong on Aug 15^th and won with a comprehensive 5-0. Margin. Rashno scored a hat trick for Iran in the minutes  11′, 31′, 54′, while Soltanimehr (26′) and Ali Najafi (69′) scored the other two.

The last group match was against Iran’s main rival Saud Arabia. However, the Saudi were no match for the gallant Iranians as they were also defeated 5-0.  Iran goals were scored by Nasseri(30′), Rahimikhoygani (40′), Shajie (45′) , Garousi (59′) and Ali Najafi (61′)

With nine points out of nine and 14 goals scored without a reply , Iran headed to the Quarter finals.

The 2nd Asian Youth Games is underway in Nanjing, China from August 16–24, 2013.

Just like the inaugural edition, the games will serve as a dress-rehearsal for the upcoming 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, which will also be held in the same city.