Vietnam’s women’s national team enters the second round of the Asian Games football tournament facing a formidable Japan side after a 1-2 defeat to Chinese Taipei on September 13.
In the opening match, Japan overwhelmed Thailand 8-0, with Yoshino Nakashima netting a first‑half hat‑trick, Takarada adding three in the second half, and newcomers Sakakibara and Kamiya also scoring. Coach Tomohisa Kano praised the collective performance, calling the win a solid preparation for the upcoming clash with Vietnam.
Vietnam’s coach Hoàng Văn Phúc acknowledged Japan’s superior quality and stressed the need for a “active defence” that can quickly transition to attack. He highlighted the importance of psychological readiness, urging players to stay proactive and seize opportunities.
After the loss to Chinese Taipei, where Thanh Nhã scored an 85th‑minute consolation goal, the squad spent September 15 training at Iwata Sports Exchange Village Yumeria. The coaching staff conducted a rapid analysis of the Taiwan match, gave the starting eleven a light recovery session, and kept the rest of the squad on a higher‑intensity regimen.
In Group E, Vietnam currently sits third, ahead of Thailand thanks to a superior goal‑difference of –8 (Thailand’s 0-8 defeat). The tournament format allows the two best third‑placed teams to advance, so limiting the margin against Japan and defeating Thailand on September 21 are crucial.
Phúc reiterated that a well‑executed, quick‑switching defensive strategy and strong mental focus will be key to keeping the door to the quarter‑finals open.