AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 quarterfinals: Vietnam U20 women’s team fall to Japan
On the afternoon of April 11, the Vietnam U20 women’s team played their quarterfinal match at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 against Japan U20 at Pathum Thani Stadium (Thailand). Facing a technically superior opponent and one of the top title contenders, coach Okiyama Masahiko’s side were unable to produce an upset and suffered a 0–4 defeat.
14/04/2026 16:55:16
Vietnam U20 women’s team finished the group stage with three points, advancing to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams. However, the challenge in the knockout stage proved immense as they faced Japan U20 — Group C winners with a well-balanced squad and a fast, technically refined style of play.
Right after kickoff, Japan U20 quickly asserted control, dominating possession and continuously launching attacks toward Vietnam’s goal. Under heavy pressure, the Vietnam U20 women’s team dropped deep, focused on defensive organization, and looked for counterattacking opportunities.
However, Vietnam’s defense could only hold out until the 18th minute. From a corner on the right, the ball fell to Mao Itamura, who finished from close range to open the scoring for Japan U20.
In the closing moments of the first half, the East Asian side increased the pressure and added two more goals in quick succession — in the 45+1 minute through Rinka Higuchi and in the 45+2 minute through Fukushima — to head into the break with a 3–0 lead.
In the second half, the pattern of the game remained largely unchanged, with Japan U20 continuing to dominate the tempo. In the 61st minute, Mao Itamura completed her brace with a finish to make it 4–0.
In the remaining time, Vietnam U20 women’s team tried to reorganize, but against an opponent with superior ball control and game management, clear-cut chances were few and far between.
At full time, Vietnam U20 women’s team suffered a 0–4 defeat and exited the quarterfinals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Although they could not progress further, the tournament journey provided valuable experience for the young Vietnamese players as they competed against some of the continent’s top teams. This will serve as a foundation for the team to continue gaining experience, improving their expertise, and aiming for long-term goals in the future.
Goals:
Japan U20: Mao Itamura (18’, 61’), Rinka Higuchi (45’+1), Fukushima (45’+2)
Line-ups:
Vietnam U20 women’s team: Le Thi Thu, Hong Minh, Thuy Linh, Nguyen Thi Huong, Hong Yeu (Thuy Nhi 46’), Thao Nguyen (Y Za Luong 71’), Hoang Van, Quynh Anh (Thu Trang 79’), Thanh Hieu (Le Thi Trang 90’), Tuyet Lan, Hoang Cuc.
Japan U20 women’s team: Iwasaki, Yuna Aoki (Momoka Sano 63’), Tamami Aso (Suzuki 46’), Higuchi (Mitsuki Ota 71’), Matsunaga (Nakamura 46’), Itamura, Natsumi Tago, Yura Honda, Hibari Hara, Mone Sato, Fukushima (Kimura 46’).
