Japan continued their dominant run in the women’s Asian Cup group stage by delivering a commanding 4-0 triumph over Vietnam on Tuesday. This victory ensured Japan’s perfect record in the group phase, as they maintained their reputation as one of the tournament’s strongest sides. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s hopes were dashed as they exited the competition, finishing with just three points and ranking lowest among the third-placed teams. This outcome allowed Uzbekistan and the Philippines to progress to the quarter-finals, benefiting from superior goal differences.
In a parallel Group C encounter held in Sydney, Taiwan clinched second place by overcoming India 3-1. This win marked Taiwan’s second consecutive qualification for the quarter-finals, setting up a challenging clash against the defending champions China on Saturday. Japan, on the other hand, will face the Philippines a day later, promising an intense showdown between two group stage leaders.
Japan’s defensive solidity was on full display throughout the group matches, as they remained the only team not to concede a single goal. Their opening goal against Vietnam came in the 21st minute when Yui Hasegawa delivered a precise cross that striker Rio Ueki expertly headed into the net. Despite Vietnam’s goalkeeper Khong Thi Hang making several impressive diving saves to keep the scoreline respectable in the first half, Japan’s relentless pressure eventually broke through after the break. Within a span of 16 minutes, Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino, and Kiko Seike each found the back of the net, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Japanese side.
Meanwhile, the match between Taiwan and India was marked by early drama and fluctuating fortunes. India came close to taking the lead when Martina Thokchom’s header struck the post, but Taiwan responded swiftly. Ten minutes later, a defensive error from India’s Sanju Yadav allowed Chen Jin-wen to intercept the ball and assist Su Yu-hsuan for an easy finish, putting Taiwan ahead. India fought back through Manisha Kalyan, whose powerful long-range free kick rattled the crossbar before crossing the line to level the score at 1-1 just before halftime.
However, Taiwan reclaimed the lead right before the break under unusual circumstances. Hsu Yi-yun’s penalty kick struck the post but then bounced off Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu’s back and crossed the goal line, giving Taiwan a 2-1 advantage. In the second half, Wu Kai-ching’s incisive through ball split the Indian defense, allowing Chen Yu-chin to score a close-range goal in the 77th minute, effectively sealing Taiwan’s victory. India’s campaign ended on a disappointing note, having suffered a heavy 11-0 defeat to Japan earlier in the tournament and finishing with zero points and a goal difference of minus 14, the poorest record in the group stage.
As the quarter-finals approach, Japan and Taiwan look poised to continue their impressive performances. Japan’s defensive resilience and attacking prowess make them strong contenders, while Taiwan’s ability to bounce back and secure crucial wins highlights their growing stature in Asian women’s football. The upcoming matches against the Philippines and China respectively promise to be thrilling encounters, with both teams eager to advance further in the competition.
