FOS-SUR-MER, France — Canada tied Japan 1-1 Sunday at a prestigious youth soccer tournament in France to finish unbeaten in group play.

But Turkey defeated Portugal 2-1 to finish first in Canada’s group, meaning the young Canadians miss out on the semifinals and will play France on Thursday for fifth place at the Festival International Espoirs, better known as the Toulon Tournament.

Coach John Herdman praised his players, noting they had just had five training sessions together.

"They can be proud of what they’ve achieved," he said in an interview.

"You’ve got to tip your hat to the boys and the staff here. They’ve done a good job to go undefeated against three top youth teams — in the hardest group," he added

Theo Bair, an 18-year-old from the Vancouver Whitecaps residency program, scored in the ninth minute for the Canadian under-21 side. The Canadians caught the Japanese on a counter-attack and Bair, on a pass from Noah Verhoeven, showed his strength and pace to beat the ‘keeper.

"It was a collective goal tactically but credit Theo and his composure in that moment," said Herdman.

Substitute Kaoru Mitoma scored the tying goal for Japan in the 60th minute. It was the first goal Canada had conceded at the tournament.

Captain and centre back Derek Cornelius, who plays in Serbia for FK Javor Ivanjica, and goalkeeper James Pantemis of the Montreal Impact led the Canadian defence.

Canada’s starting lineup featured seven players under the age of 20 including debutant Clement Bayiha, part of the Montreal Impact academy.

A win and Canada would have qualified for the semifinal. The tie meant they had to hope for a Turkey loss or tie in the later group match. Turkey led 2-0 after 26 minutes. Portugal pulled one back on a 61st-minute penalty kick but could not draw even.

The Toulon event has seen the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Jean-Pierre Papin, Cafu, Alan Shearer and Frank Lampard since its inception in 1967.

Canada, playing at the tournament for the first time, tied Portugal 0-0 and beat Turkey 1-0 in earlier play.

Group winners Turkey, Mexico and Scotland are joined in the semifinals by England, which had the best runner-up record.

Herdman and assistant Mauro Biello are coaching the team in Toulon.