Nagoya, 21 Sep 2026 – Vietnam’s women’s national team secured a place in the ASIAD 2026 quarter-finals after holding regional rivals Thailand to a 0-0 draw in their final group-stage match, advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Vietnam returned to their strongest available starting lineup for the decisive fixture, with experienced players including Bich Thuy, Hai Yen, Diem My, Duong Thi Van and Thai Thi Thao joined by Van Su and Nguyen Thi Hoa in attacking positions. Head coach Hoang Van Phuc’s side entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to keep their qualification hopes alive, allowing the players to approach the contest with composure while focusing on controlling the midfield and maintaining their defensive organization.
Thailand, meanwhile, were under greater pressure as they needed a victory to remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage. They pushed higher up the pitch and enjoyed more possession during the opening 15 minutes, but Vietnam’s experienced midfield and compact defensive structure gave them little space to exploit. The Vietnamese players maintained good distances between the lines and prevented Thailand from making dangerous incursions into the penalty area despite their territorial advantage.
Vietnam created their first notable opportunity in the 21st minute when Nguyen Thi Hoa delivered a dangerous low cross towards Hai Yen, only for a Thai defender to intervene before the striker could convert. Thailand increased their attacking pressure towards the end of the first half as they searched for the goal they desperately needed, but Vietnam remained disciplined and reached the interval with the score still goalless.
The tempo increased after the break as Thailand became increasingly aggressive in their pursuit of a breakthrough. Vietnam, however, continued to pose a threat on the counterattack, with Van Su, Bich Thuy and Nguyen Thi Hoa providing pace and movement whenever Hoang Van Phuc’s side regained possession. Around midway through the second half, the Vietnam coach introduced Truc Huong, Thu Xuan and Vu Thi Hoa in place of Duong Thi Van, Hai Yen and Thanh Nha, refreshing a team that had already expended significant energy during the contest.
As the match entered its closing stages, Vietnam increasingly prioritized defensive stability and managed the game carefully to protect the valuable point. Thailand continued searching for a late winner, but Vietnam’s well-organized defense stood firm to preserve the 0-0 scoreline until the final whistle.
The draw saw Vietnam finish third in Group E and qualify for the ASIAD 2026 quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams. Japan topped the group with a perfect nine points, while Chinese Taipei finished second, leaving Vietnam to progress through the third-place ranking and continue their campaign in the knockout stage.
VSN/RPT
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