The Vietnamese women's team entered the match against Thailand after two defeats against Taiwan (China) and Japan. Notably, coach Hoang Van Phuc's team lost 0-8 to host Japan in the second match.
Although not yet having points, the Vietnamese women's team is still ranked third in Group E thanks to a better goal difference than Thailand. The Thai women's team has also not won points after two matches and lost to Taiwan (China) with a score of 0-1 in the most recent match.
According to the format of ASIAD 2026 women's football, the top two teams in each group and the two third-placed teams with the best results will qualify for the quarterfinals. Therefore, the opportunity is still there for the Vietnamese women's team.
Notably, the match between the Bangladesh women's team and the Myanmar women's team in Group F takes place at 2:00 PM, before the confrontation between Vietnam and Thailand. If Bangladesh and Myanmar draw, the Vietnam women's team only needs to draw with Thailand to compete for a ticket to the next round. In case this match has a winning team, coach Hoang Van Phuc's team needs to win all 3 points against Thailand.
However, the goal of winning is still the clearest option for the Vietnamese women's team to decide their own chances. After the heavy defeat against Japan, the team needs to quickly stabilize their psychology, while improving their defense and efficiency in attacking situations.
The Thai women's team is also in a similar situation when they have not scored after two legs. This makes the confrontation at Nagai Stadium a decisive match for both teams. Thailand will certainly not easily accept a passive game when they also need a positive result to maintain hope of going further.
In recent encounters, the Vietnamese women's team often has positive results against Thailand. This may be a spiritual support for the players, but head-to-head record does not determine the outcome of the match at ASIAD 2026.
The ability to control the game, limit errors in the defense and take advantage of opportunities will be important factors. The Vietnamese women's team needs to maintain concentration throughout 90 minutes, especially when Thailand can choose a cautious playing style and wait for counter-attack opportunities.
With the decisive nature of the match, it is likely that the two teams will enter the game with certain caution. The Vietnamese women's team needs to promote the experience of players like Bich Thuy, Thanh Nha, Van Su and Hai Yen to create a difference in the attack.
The Vietnamese women's team is under a lot of pressure after two consecutive defeats, but still has a chance to advance thanks to the format of the tournament and the third place in Group E. The match against Thailand is therefore of particular importance.
If the Bangladesh - Myanmar match had previously decided the winner, the Vietnamese women's team would need to win against Thailand to maintain their chance of reaching the quarter-finals. In case Bangladesh and Myanmar draw, a draw against Thailand may be enough for coach Hoang Van Phuc's team to compete for a ticket to the next round.
Regardless of the scenario, the Vietnamese women's team needs to aim for a solid match, make good use of opportunities and minimize mistakes. This is the basis for coach Hoang Van Phuc and his team to aim for a favorable result against Thailand.
Expected lineup
Vietnam Women's Team: Kim Thanh, Thu Thuong, Nguyen Thi Hoa, Thai Thi Thao, Diem My, Thu Xuan, Cu Thi Huynh Nhu, Bich Thuy, Thanh Nha, Van Su, Hai Yen.
Thai Women's Team: Sodchuen, Jiratanaphibun, Sornsai, Rodthong, Intaraprasit, Chetthabutr, Phomsri, Kaewanta, Sontisawat, Jinantuya, Mongkoldee.
