Vietnam to Face China in ASIAD Women's Football Quarterfinals
Vietnam's women's football team has advanced to the quarterfinals of the ASIAD 2026 after a tense match

Coach Hoang Van Phuc has expressed confidence in the Vietnam women's national football team’s ability to win against Thailand, but emphasized a strategic approach to ensure they secured at least one point to advance to the quarter-finals of Asiad 20. The team managed a 0-0 draw against Thailand, which allowed them to progress to the next stage.
The quarter-final matches are set for September 25, with Vietnam facing China, a formidable opponent. In his analysis of the match against Thailand, Coach Phuc noted that the team initially struggled to control the midfield due to Thailand's tactical adjustments, which included deploying three central defenders and pushing their wings high up the pitch. However, after making necessary adjustments, the Vietnam team improved their performance and created several scoring opportunities.
Despite not scoring in the group stage, with only one goal in three matches, Coach Phuc remains optimistic. He acknowledged that while Japan presented a significant challenge, Vietnam had clear chances to score, particularly in their match against Taiwan. The tactical decision to play conservatively against Thailand was made to ensure qualification, as the team only needed a draw.
Looking ahead to the quarter-finals, Coach Phuc is aware of the challenges posed by China, having faced them during a training camp prior to the tournament. He stated, 'Their level is higher than ours,' and emphasized the importance of recovery for the players before strategizing for the upcoming match, with a focus on defensive counter-attacks.