The match against the Japanese women's team in the last round of Group C of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup finals is predicted to be a very big challenge for the Vietnamese women's team, in the context that coach Mai Duc Chung's team needs points to nurture hopes of winning a ticket to the quarterfinals.
After two legs, the Vietnamese women's team has 3 points and is temporarily at the top of the group of third-placed teams with a goal difference of 0. However, the group situation became more difficult when Uzbekistan heavily defeated Bangladesh 4-0 in Group B, thereby creating great pressure on the competition for spots in the knockout round for third-placed teams with good results.
In that context, the Vietnamese women's team needs at least a draw against Japan to ensure maintaining the opportunity to advance. If they fail, Huynh Nhu and her teammates still have hope in case they only lose by a minimal margin, and at the same time wait for favorable results from the match between India and Taiwan (China). Conversely, if they lose by a margin of three goals or more, the Vietnamese team is almost certain to stop.
However, the task of winning points against Japan is not simple at all. The team from East Asia is one of the leading forces in Asian women's football, possessing a balanced force with superior technical and physical foundation. Even when they have already qualified for the quarter-finals and can rotate the squad, Japan is still rated significantly higher than the Vietnamese women's team.
Against a high-class opponent, it is likely that the Vietnamese women's team will choose a defensive counter-attacking style of play to limit pressure from Japan. Tactical discipline, concentration and ability to take advantage of opportunities will be key factors if coach Mai Duc Chung's team wants to create a surprise.
This tournament is also considered a transitional period for the Vietnamese women's team as the team is gradually rejuvenating its force. Many young players are given the opportunity to play alongside experienced pillars like Huynh Nhu. This helps the team accumulate more experience in the big playground, although the goal of achievement is not easy at all.
Some players such as Thanh Nha, Van Su or Duong Thi Van had physical problems in the previous match, but the break between the two matches and more favorable playing conditions can help players recover better before the confrontation with Japan.
In the context of an unfavorable group situation, the Vietnamese women's team still sets a goal to compete with the highest determination. If they maintain focus and minimize mistakes against a strong opponent, coach Mai Duc Chung's team can still hope to create surprises to keep the opportunity to go deep in the tournament.
Score prediction: Vietnam women's team 0-2 Japan women's team
