Japan Dominates Vietnam
“The world No. 8 Japanese side delivered just that—and more—after cruising to a 4–0 victory over the Vietnamese,” noted an observer following the match held in Perth, Australia, on March 10, 2026.
This decisive win not only highlighted Japan’s dominance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup but also had significant implications for the tournament’s progression. Japan’s victory allowed the Philippines to advance to the quarterfinals, showcasing the interconnected nature of the tournament outcomes.
Historically, Japan has been a formidable opponent in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, having won all previous encounters against Vietnam. This match continued that trend, as Vietnam faced a tough challenge against one of the strongest teams in Asia.
Mai Duc Chung, the coach of the Vietnam Women’s National Football Team, acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, “We face a tough challenge against Japan, one of the strongest teams in Asia and the world.” This sentiment reflects the uphill battle Vietnam faced in their quest for advancement.
Prior to this match, Japan had demonstrated their offensive prowess by defeating India 11-0, scoring five goals in the first half alone. In contrast, Vietnam had managed a late 2-1 victory against India in their group stage, but that was not enough to prepare them for the might of Japan.
Japan’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam was crucial, as it not only secured their position but also left Vietnam’s knockout hopes hanging by a thread. The loss marked Vietnam’s fifth consecutive defeat against Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Looking ahead, the Philippines will face Japan in the quarterfinals on March 15, 2026. Nile Neilsen, the coach of the Philippines, expressed the importance of maintaining momentum, stating, “This match is important, and we want to maintain the good momentum as we continue preparing for the knockout stage by improving the small details in our game.”
As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to the upcoming quarterfinals, where Japan’s formidable reputation will be put to the test against the Philippines.
