The Vietnamese women's team are ready to face Japan at the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD) in China on Thursday. — Photo courtesy of nld.com.vn

Asian Games

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam will face Japan on Thursday in a crucial match as they vye for first place in their group and a ticket to the quarter-finals of the women's football event at the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD) in China.

Coach Mai Đức Chung has expressed confidence in his team's readiness and their unwavering dedication to competing against the Japanese women's team.

"For the match against Japan, I will field our best players," Chung said.

"This will undoubtedly be a formidable challenge for the Vietnamese women's team. We have all witnessed Japan's exceptional performance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Our team will need to give their utmost."

Having secured two consecutive wins against Nepal and Bangladesh, both Japan and Việt Nam currently lead Group D with six points each. In theory, the opportunity to claim first place in the group and secure a direct ticket to the quarter-finals is evenly split between the Japanese and Vietnamese teams. The outcome of their final match will determine which team progresses to the next round, while the losing team will compete for a quarter-final spot against the best second-place teams in other groups.

Chung acknowledges that despite Việt Nam's victories over Nepal and Bangladesh, he remains unsatisfied with the playing style displayed by the Vietnamese team. Japan, being a strong opponent, highlights the significance of the upcoming direct clash between the two teams. Việt Nam cannot afford any mistakes if they wish to advance to the quarter-finals.

They must either surpass Japan or secure at least one point to gain an advantage within the group of three best second-placed teams. In the event of a loss, Việt Nam must minimise the number of goals conceded.

Defender Trần Thị Duyên expressed her confidence, stating, "The entire team, including myself, will give our all in the match against Japan. I personally will strive to maintain a high level of concentration. If given the opportunity to play, I will do my utmost to showcase my abilities and achieve the best possible result alongside my teammates."

The women's football event at ASIAD 2023 features 16 participating teams divided into five groups. The top team from each group, along with the three best second-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals.

Việt Nam's most notable achievement in ASIAD competition thus far was reaching the semi-finals in 2014. — VNS