Tokyo, April 25, 2025 – Vietnam’s women’s futsal team lost 1-4 to Japan in their second friendly match on April 25 during their Japan training camp, preparing for the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup in Hohhot, China. Despite the defeat against the world’s 10th-ranked side, coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang’s squad extracted valuable lessons for their continental campaign in May.
Facing Japan’s superior ball control and technical prowess, Vietnam adopted a defensive stance at Ota City Arena. Japan broke through in the 13th minute when Eguchi Mika’s corner kick was deftly redirected by Ikadai Risa past goalkeeper Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, making it 1-0. Vietnam, anchored by captain Tran Thi Thu, stayed resolute, with Nguyen Thanh Ngan’s counterattack nearly equalizing in the 17th minute, only for Japan’s Sakai Azusa to deny her. The first half ended with Japan leading 1-0.
Japan asserted dominance early in the second half. Iwasaki Yuka doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a sharp finish, followed by two more goals in the 24th and 28th minutes from Kato Yuka and Eguchi, exploiting Vietnam’s stretched defense. Trailing 4-0, Vietnam switched to a power-play strategy with eight minutes left, pushing Thu Ha forward. Their persistence paid off in the final 31 seconds when Nguyen Thu Xuan capitalized on a swift wing move, slotting a low cross from Tran Thi Hai Yen past Sakai to secure a 4-1 consolation goal.
The loss, following Vietnam’s 2-0 win over Fugador Sumida Ladies on April 23, offered a chance to test varied formations and tactics, mirroring Hanoi Police FC’s adaptability in football. Hoang praised the team’s grit, noting improved coordination from their first friendly but urging sharper finishing, as only 3 of 12 shots tested Japan’s keeper, per match stats. Thu Xuan’s late strike, her first internationally, signals promise for the Ho Chi Minh City FC prospect.
With two friendlies left in Japan, including a rematch with Sumida on April 27, Vietnam refines their game plan for China, where they face Japan again in Group A. The camp, akin to Song Lam Nghe An’s youth training, bolsters stamina and resilience. Aiming for a 2025 semifinal spot—surpassing their 2018 quarterfinal exit—Vietnam, led by Thanh Ngan’s five-goal 2024 ASEAN form, draws confidence from their 2015 bronze, ready to challenge Asia’s elite like The Cong Viettel in V.League battles.
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