The Vietnam women's football team put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost to China 0-1 in the quarterfinals of ASIAD 2026, held on September 25. The match took place in Japan, where Vietnam was significantly outmatched on paper but managed to push China into extra time.

Throughout the match, Vietnam controlled 39% of the possession compared to China's 61%. Despite this, they managed to create four shots on target, while China had 30 attempts, with 11 on goal. The match statistics reflected the struggle, with Vietnam committing seven fouls against China's three, and receiving two yellow cards to China's four.

The decisive moment came in the 109th minute when Wang Shuang scored for China after a long ball into the box. Shao Ziqin set up the play, allowing Wang to find the back of the net with a precise finish, marking a significant breakthrough after nearly 30 attempts from the Chinese side.

Vietnam's effort to equalize was commendable, as they pushed forward in search of a goal, but their physical disadvantage hindered their ability to create clear opportunities. The players from China, meanwhile, focused on solidifying their defense as Vietnam pressed for an equalizer.

In the same round, North Korea easily defeated Taiwan 5-1, setting up a semifinal clash with China on September 29. Vietnam's journey in the tournament has been a mix of highs and lows, including a 1-2 loss to Taiwan and a heavy 0-8 defeat to Japan, but their ability to reach the quarterfinals is seen as a significant achievement, especially under the new leadership of coach Hoang Van Phuc.

Historically, Vietnam has struggled against top Asian teams, including China, South Korea, and Japan. The team’s previous encounter with China ended in a 0-3 defeat during a friendly match prior to ASIAD. Nevertheless, the players were encouraged to maintain a positive spirit, aiming to perform better against such formidable opponents.