The Vietnamese team train for the match against defending champions Japan at the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan today. — Photo VFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam are ready to face defending champions Japan in their opening match of Group B today at the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Ahead of the highly challenging match, Việt Nam's head coach, Akira Ijiri, has made comprehensive preparations in terms of tactics, physical health and team spirit to ensure that his players can maintain focus and maximise their potential.

"We still have many objectives to achieve, but we have already fulfilled everything within our capabilities," Ijiri said. 

"We arrived in Uzbekistan early to acclimate ourselves to the conditions. Early arrival is crucial for us to adapt to the cold weather,"

Assessing their first opponent, Japan, in the tournament, Coach Ijiri said: "The Japanese team, including the national team and young teams like the U20, possess many strong points in their similar training style and playing the same brand of football."

Furthermore, Ijiri highlighted the advantages of the Vietnamese players, adding: "Firstly, Vietnamese players fight for their teammates and the national flag. Secondly, they possess an indomitable spirit and a strong drive to compete. Thirdly, everyone on the team thoroughly understands the tactical instructions provided by the coaching staff and executes them effectively."

Prior to the match, Ijiri finalised the list of 23 players who will be participating in the tournament, adhering to AFC regulations.

The match between Việt Nam and Japan will kick off at 6pm. today. Following this match, Việt Nam will face the second runners-up, North Korea, as well as the 2006 champions, China.

In Group A, the host country, Uzbekistan, will compete against South Korea, Australia, and Chinese Taipei.

The top four teams from the competition will qualify as the AFC representatives for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia. VNS