HANOI, Vietnam _ After Japan clobbered their team Monday night, Vietnamese football fans took to the streets in cities across the country to celebrate like never before.

With Qatar losing to the United Arab Emirates shortly afterwards, Vietnam's defeat didn't matter _ they had advanced to the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup.

"We are so happy," said Nguyen Van Dung, who celebrated with thousands of fans in the center of the capital, Hanoi. "We never expected Vietnam to qualify for the quarterfinal. This is the greatest success we have ever had in our football history."

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, exuberant fans took to the streets waving Vietnamese flags and chanting, "Vietnam vo dich!" _ "Vietnam champion!"

Tens of thousands of people packed the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake in the center of Hanoi, where young men set off fireworks and raced their motorbikes through the crowded streets.

"I know that racing motorbikes is dangerous, but we will risk our lives to show our support for our team!" said Duong Thanh Tung, 21, a student at the Hanoi National Economics University.

"This is a turning point for Vietnamese football," Tung said. "Its a historic moment, and its time to celebrate."

Vietnam would not have advanced without the United Arab Emirates defeating Qatar Monday evening in Ho Chi Minh City.

Had Qatar won, it would have taken Vietnam's place in the quarterfinals.

Vietnam had been widely predicted to finish last and only qualified for the tournament because it was one of the host nations.

Japan led Group B with 7 points and Vietnam finished second with 5 points.

United Arab Emirates finished with three, while Qatar, which had been expected to finish second, came in last with just two points.

Some Vietnamese fans in Ho Chi Minh carried UAE flags in the streets Monday night to show their appreciation.

"I love UAE!" shouted Nguyen Viet Dung, a 32-year-old securities trader.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "Our players have made history."