Asian champions Japan defeated Thailand 3-0 in the first match of the HCM City International Futsal Tournament yesterday.— Photo vnexpress

HCM CITY (VNS)—Asian champions Japan defeated Thailand 3-0 in the first match of the HCM City International Futsal Tournament yesterday.

Goals came at the 31st, 32nd and 35th minutes after Thailand failed to break Japan's strong defense.

It was Japan's second win over their Southeast Asian rivals within 17 months. Last June, Japan trounced Thailand 6-1 in the final match of the Asian Futsal Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

Today, host Viet Nam will start their tournament against Japan. The match will be aired live from Phu Tho Gymnasium at 6pm.

Earlier, world champions Brazil will play Thailand.

The November 19-22 tournament will provide a bonus of US$5,000 to the winners. The two runners-up will receive $3,000 and $1,000. — VNS