AFC Women's Asian Cup
The East Asian side have scored 13 goals without conceding and want to close out their group campaign with a perfect record, while Vietnam need victory to keep their slim hopes alive.
Fresh from their 11-0 triumph over India on Matchday Two, head coach Nils Nielsen wants to maintain the positive momentum but is wary of Vietnam’s threat.
“We will approach this game with the same organisation and compact structure across the whole team,” said Neilsen. “Vietnam are a very fast team, especially on the counter-attack, so we need to be ready to play at a high tempo as well. Hopefully we can overcome this challenge.
“This match is important and we want to maintain the good momentum as we continue preparing for the knockout stage by improving the small details in our game. Winning helps reinforce that progress.
“Finishing top of the group is important for logistical reasons. If we win the group, we won’t need to travel for the quarter-finals. We would only travel to Sydney once and, if we keep winning, we can remain in the same place. It would be very helpful for us to finish first in the group.”
“We will approach this game with the same organisation and compact structure across the whole team,” said Neilsen. “Vietnam are a very fast team, especially on the counter-attack, so we need to be ready to play at a high tempo as well. Hopefully we can overcome this challenge.
“This match is important and we want to maintain the good momentum as we continue preparing for the knockout stage by improving the small details in our game. Winning helps reinforce that progress.
“Finishing top of the group is important for logistical reasons. If we win the group, we won’t need to travel for the quarter-finals. We would only travel to Sydney once and, if we keep winning, we can remain in the same place. It would be very helpful for us to finish first in the group.”
Japan’s composure was tested in their 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Matchday One but Nielsen is not worried about rotating his squad again.
“We have a squad capable of adjusting without lowering our quality. Almost everyone has been involved in the tournament, so they know their roles.
“Vietnam are a team that can hurt any opponent. They have great speed and some really talented players. This will be a different challenge from our first two games, but it’s a challenge we are ready for. It’s good to face different styles of teams.”
“We have a squad capable of adjusting without lowering our quality. Almost everyone has been involved in the tournament, so they know their roles.
“Vietnam are a team that can hurt any opponent. They have great speed and some really talented players. This will be a different challenge from our first two games, but it’s a challenge we are ready for. It’s good to face different styles of teams.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Defeating Japan may seem like a daunting task but Vietnam head coach Mai Duc Chung is confident his players can rise to the challenge after suffering a 1-0 setback against Chinese Taipei.
“We face a tough challenge against Japan, one of the strongest teams in Asia and the world,” said Mai. “We have great respect for them, as well as the other teams in our group but this is our final group stage match and we will give our absolute best even against such a strong opponent."
“We face a tough challenge against Japan, one of the strongest teams in Asia and the world,” said Mai. “We have great respect for them, as well as the other teams in our group but this is our final group stage match and we will give our absolute best even against such a strong opponent."
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
“Our previous game was played in the early afternoon, which was very hot but the next match kicks off at 5pm, so conditions will be cooler. However, against a top team like Japan, every team must give their absolute best.
“We have faced the Japan team many times before. They always play very seriously and don't hold back even when they are already leading the group. I’m aware of this, so every team must give their absolute best. Of course, within our team, we also need to use strategy to find the best way to get points against Japan.”
“We have faced the Japan team many times before. They always play very seriously and don't hold back even when they are already leading the group. I’m aware of this, so every team must give their absolute best. Of course, within our team, we also need to use strategy to find the best way to get points against Japan.”
Trivia
● Japan have won all five of their previous encounters against Vietnam in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scoring three or more goals each time; a sixth win here would see Vietnam become the team Japan have faced the most without ever losing to in the tournament (currently tied with Hong Kong, China – five wins).
● Japan’s victory against India was their 49th clean sheet in competition history. Only China PR (51) have recorded more clean sheets than Japan in AFC Women’s Asian Cup history.
● Vietnam lost 1-0 to Chinese Taipei in their most recent game at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup; the last time they suffered consecutive defeats in the tournament was during an eight-game losing streak from May 2014 to January 2022.
Japan v Vietnam
Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 17:00 (UTC+8)
Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 17:00 (UTC+8)
Related News
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Preview - Group C: India v Chinese Taipei
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
We will fight till the end, vows India’s Shilky Devi
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Double delight for Korea Republic’s Kang
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Philippines’ Eggesvik looking to inspire next generation
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Korea Republic’s Shin pleased with top spot; Montemurro promises a better Australia
Item 1 of 5