Fans’ hopes dashed as Vietnam exits Asian Cup

Some thousand fans gathered on a street in Hanoi to watch the Asian Cup quarterfinal between Vietnam and Japan Thursday night.

The fans sing the national anthem with the players before the kickoff.

The cold weather in Hanoi did not keep the fans away and they were in full force to support their team.

Flares were lit when a Japanese goal was disallowed by the video assistant referees in the first half.

Many fans were nervous and could not watch when Japan were given a penalty.

When Japan scored, this fan could not hold back her tears.

But the goal did not dampen their spirits and the fans continued to cheer, still hopeful.

When the game ended, there were tears on many faces.

"Although the team lost but we are proud of the players because they gave their best for their country and showed great improvement in skill compared to the past," Nguyen Thi Hoa, a fan said.