The Viet Nam team pose for a photo ahead of the match with China. — Photo vff.org.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam lost to China 2-3 in penalty shoot-out in the first match of the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup's Asian zone qualifying round in Qatar on March 23.

Viet Nam tied with China 5-5 at the end of the third half, resulting in the penalty shoot-out. Viet Nam will meet Japan and Kuwait in upcoming Group B matches.

The Asian elimination round, in which 17 teams are participating, will end on March 28. The top three teams will compete in the global tournament to be held in Praia da Baia, Portugal, from July 9 to 19.

Currently, the Vietnamese team rank 31st globally and fourth regionally. — VNS