2026 Asian Women's Football Championship: Vietnam Team Determined to Surprise in the "Life-or-Death" Match

Speaking at the press conference on March 9, Coach Mai Duc Chung acknowledged that the Japanese team is one of the strongest teams in Asia and the world, but he affirmed that the Vietnamese players will give their utmost effort.

Mai Duc Chung stated: "We greatly respect Japan as well as the other teams in the group. This is the final group stage match, so the whole team will try their best, even though the opponent is very strong. The coaching staff will strategize to find opportunities to earn points."

The Vietnam women's team coach also noted that Japanese players always play seriously and never "take it easy" in any match, so his players need to maintain the highest level of focus and determination.

Regarding the players' physical condition after the match with the Chinese Taipei women's team, Coach Mai Duc Chung said the match took place at 13:00 under hot weather conditions, which somewhat affected the players' physical state. However, the team has had two days of rest and training to recover.

From the players' side, midfielder Bich Thuy confirmed that the whole team quickly stabilized their morale after the loss to the Chinese Taipei team and are now focusing on the decisive match with great determination. Bich Thuy shared: "The upcoming match is very important for the team's chance to advance. The whole team has held a meeting to learn from experience, prepared thoroughly in terms of fitness and tactics, and will enter the match with the highest determination."

Meanwhile, Coach Nils Nielsen of the Japanese team said his team will approach the match with tight organization, while also being wary of Vietnam's quick counter-attacking ability.

The match between the Vietnam women's team and the Japan women's team is scheduled to take place at 16:00 on March 10 (Vietnam time). This is considered a major challenge for Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team in the race to secure a spot in the next round of the 2026 Asian Women's Football Championship.