On the afternoon of September 9, the Vietnamese women's team had a friendly match with the Chinese women's team within the framework of a training trip in Suzhou. This is an important general rehearsal for coach Hoang Van Phuc and his team before entering the competition at ASIAD 2026.
The Chinese women's team proactively pushed up the squad right after the opening whistle and put continuous pressure. Against an opponent who is rated higher in physique, fitness and speed, the Vietnamese women's team maintained formation distance, organized tight defense and waited for counter-attack opportunities.
In the 39th minute, Hai Yen headed from a corner kick, sending the ball to Thanh Nha's position but the opportunity was not successfully utilized. The two teams closed the first half with a score of 0-0.
Coach Hoang Van Phuc assessed that his players had relatively well implemented tactical requirements in the first 45 minutes, especially in the ability to maintain the squad and organize defense.
In the second half, the Chinese women's team continuously scored in the 48th and 58th minutes. The coaching staff of the Vietnamese women's team then made a series of personnel changes with Hoang Thi Loan, Duong Thi Van, Vu Thi Hoa, Ngoc Minh Chuyen, Thai Thi Thao, Thu Phuong, Hong Nhung and Luu Hoang Van being given opportunities in turn.
The Chinese women's team scored another goal in the 79th minute. The Vietnamese women's team once put the ball into the opponent's net in the 85th minute but the goal was disallowed due to offside. In the end, the Chinese women's team won 3-0.
Despite the defeat, the match brought a lot of data to the coaching staff in assessing the force and adjusting tactics. In particular, young players who were given the opportunity to play against a strong opponent also gained more necessary experience.
Coach Hoang Van Phuc assessed that Luu Hoang Van, a player who grew up from the U20 team, showed confidence, good physical foundation and speed when playing with seniors.
After the match, the Vietnamese women's team will focus on completing the final stages before ASIAD 2026, focusing on the ability to resist set pieces and switch from defense to attack.
At ASIAD 2026, the Vietnamese women's team is in the same group as host Japan, Chinese Taipei and Thailand. Coach Hoang Van Phuc's team will play their opening match against the Chinese Taipei women's team on September 14.
