In 1996, Vietnam participated in the first Tiger Cup where they finished in third place and hosted the second Tiger Cup in 1998 where they lost 0–1 to Singapore in the final. From 2000 to 2007, Vietnam continued their quest to win the Southeast Asian trophy, but often ended short by losing in the semi-finals or being eliminated in the group stage. Also around 1996, Vietnam gained international headline for inviting Italian giant Juventus F.C. to play in a friendly match in Hanoi, with Juventus already lifted the recent 1995–96 UEFA Champions League title. The game, which Vietnam lost 1–2, was a watershed moment that boosted the development of football in the country.