Vietnam’s Futsal Dream Ends in Quarter-Final Defeat to Japan at AFC Asian Cup

Vietnam’s hopes of qualifying for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup were dashed on May 13, 2025, as they fell 0-2 to powerhouse Japan in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup in Hohhot, China. Despite a valiant effort and a standout performance from goalkeeper Le Thi Thanh Ngan, the Southeast Asian side could not overcome the tactical superiority and relentless pressure of the two-time runners-up, ending their historic campaign at the Asian championships.

A Nervy Start Against a Formidable Opponent

The match at Hohhot Sports Centre began with immediate intensity, as Japan, a perennial favorite for the title, launched aggressive attacks from the opening whistle. Within the first 30 seconds, Mika Eguchi rattled the crossbar with a long-range strike, setting the tone for a challenging game for Vietnam. Moments later, Risa Ikadai’s header struck the left post, signaling the immense pressure on the Vietnamese defense.

Under this barrage, Vietnam’s defense faltered early. In the third minute, defender Nguyen Phuong Anh inadvertently scored an own goal while attempting to block a finish from Japan’s Kyoka Takahashi. The early setback visibly shook the team, who struggled to find their footing against Japan’s precise and dynamic play.

Goalkeeper Le Thi Thanh Ngan emerged as a key figure in keeping Vietnam’s hopes alive during the first half. She made several critical saves, denying shots from Aki Ikeuchi, Ryo Egawa, and Eguchi, among others. Her efforts ensured the scoreline remained at 1-0 going into the break, giving Vietnam a glimmer of hope despite being outplayed.

Japan Seals Victory in the Second Half

The second half began with renewed Japanese dominance. Just four minutes after the restart, Sara Oino showcased her skill by weaving past three Vietnamese defenders on the left flank before delivering a perfect pass to an unmarked Egawa. Egawa calmly slotted the ball into the top right corner, doubling Japan’s lead and effectively sealing the match.

Despite the deficit, Vietnam refused to concede defeat without a fight. Coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang shifted tactics to a powerplay formation in the latter stages, hoping to create scoring opportunities. However, Japan’s defense held firm, and Vietnam could not capitalize on their increased attacking presence. Eguchi nearly added a third for Japan at the half-hour mark, with another long-range shot striking the bar, a reminder of the constant threat posed by the favorites.

Reflections on a Proud Campaign

Speaking after the match, Coach Hoang acknowledged the strength of their opponents while expressing pride in his team’s performance. “Japan are a very strong team with many quality players. Although Vietnam played well, a few seconds of lost concentration cost us goals” he said. “We are sad but proud that our players fought until the last seconds against a top team in Asia.”

Hoang also highlighted the team’s resilience and long-term potential. “We acknowledge the efforts of the whole team. They gave their best. Although the result was not favorable, we will aim for longer-term goals in the future. We will definitely work hard to improve” he added. Reflecting on Vietnam’s journey in the tournament, he noted their impressive group stage performance, where they topped their group with seven points, as a significant achievement. However, facing Japan in the quarter-finals proved to be an insurmountable challenge.

Looking Ahead to Regional Ambitions

With their Asian Cup journey concluded, Vietnam’s focus now shifts to future competitions, notably the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December 2025, hosted by Thailand. Coach Hoang emphasized the importance of moving past this defeat and preparing for regional success. The SEA Games represent an opportunity for Vietnam to build on their futsal program, which has shown promising growth in recent years.

Elsewhere in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup, Thailand advanced to the semi-finals with a commanding 5-2 victory over Hong Kong, China. They will face either China or Indonesia in the next round. Japan, meanwhile, awaits the winner of the Chinese Taipei versus Iran clash. The top three teams in the tournament will secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in the Philippines in 2025, a milestone event for the sport globally.

A Growing Presence in Women’s Futsal

Vietnam’s participation in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup underscores the rising profile of women’s futsal in Southeast Asia. While the loss to Japan marks the end of their World Cup dream for now, the team’s performance throughout the tournament offers hope for the future. Their ability to compete against top-tier teams like Japan, even in defeat, demonstrates the potential for further development in the sport within Vietnam.

As the nation rallies behind its athletes, the futsal team’s determination and spirit remain a source of inspiration. With upcoming regional events like the SEA Games on the horizon, there is optimism that Vietnam can continue to carve out a stronger presence on the international stage, one match at a time.