Vietnam suffer second loss in Women’s Asian Cup

Facing the defending champions of Women’s Asian Cup, held in India, Vietnam only had 26 percent of possession and three shots (one on goal). Japan made 22 attempts (nine on goal), had a passing accuracy of 81 percent and 13 corners.

Japan dominated right from the start, but the excellence of keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh prevented them from scoring early.

Although Vietnam have played discipline in defense, Japan exploited the difference in physique, as the three goals that they scored were all from aerial situations. In the 38th minute, Hana Takahashi crossed it in and keeper Thanh tried to catch the ball but couldn’t do it cleanly, creating a chance for Yui Narumiya to tap it in. The first half ended 1-0 for Japan.

Five minutes into the second half, from a freekick in the left flank, Mina Tanaka got a header and although Thanh tried to save it, the ball hit the post and found Japan captain Saki Kumagai, who easily doubled the score with a tap-in.

Eight minutes later, Japan scored again and this time it was also from a freekick in the left flank. The ball found Narumiya again and she completed her double in the game.

After conceding three goals, Vietnam defense stayed focused to avoid losing further and the game ended with a 3-0 win for Japan.

Vietnam will play the last game of group C with Myanmar on January 27. Both teams lost the first two games, but Vietnam are placing above due to conceding fewer goals. A draw will be enough for Vietnam to keep third place and compete for a spot in the quarterfinals with the third-placed teams in the other two groups.

 

 

Vietnam suffer second loss in Women’s Asian Cup

Nữ Việt Nam 0-3 Nhật Bản