Qualifiers Round 2 – Group C: India 1-3 Vietnam; Uzbekistan 0-2 Japan
Japan flexed their muscles in a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in Group C of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament – Asian Qualifiers Round 2 on Sunday. The win places the former world champions in pole position to finish top, with the Nadeshiko only needing to avoid defeat against Vietnam on Wednesday to advance to the third round. Vietnam revived their hopes with a 3-1 win over India earlier on Sunday.
31/10/2023 12:08:13
India 1-3 Vietnam
Vietnam were desperate to bounce back after their defeat to Uzbekistan and started on an aggressive note.
It took only four minutes for the Southeast Asian side, who made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in Australia & New Zealand 2023, to take the lead with captain Huynh Nhu nodding home Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung’s cross.
Another headed goal, this time by a diving Tran Thi Hai Linh, doubled Vietnam’s advantage in the 22nd minute.
India rang in the changes at the start of the second half to salvage the game but it was Vietnam who scored again, with substitute Pham Hai Yen scoring with yet another header in the 73rd minute.
Sandhiya Ranganathan pulled one back for India in the 80th minute but it was a mere consolation with the South Asian side’s clash against Uzbekistan on Wednesday just a chance to salvage some pride.
Uzbekistan 2-0 Japan
Japan, who opened their campaign with a 7-0 win over India, raced off the blocks against Uzbekistan and took the lead through Moeka Minami in the 10th minute.
Uzbekistan, who upset Vietnam 1-0 in their opening tie on Thursday, found Japan a completely different challenge and could do little to prevent a second goal, with Remina Chiba slotting home.
Japan were content to defend their lead in the second half while Uzbekistan just couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Source: AFC
