Vietnam women's team reach Asian Games 2026 quarter-finals: Coach Hoang Van Phuc points out attacking weakness

The Vietnam women's national team officially secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Asian Games women's football tournament after Myanmar and Bangladesh drew 0-0 in Group F. That earlier result helped coach Hoang Van Phuc's side move above Myanmar in the ranking of best third-placed teams, thereby securing one of the two lucky loser slots. In the simultaneous match, Vietnam and Thailand also played out a 0-0 draw, a result enough for both teams to progress. For Vietnam, however, the performance raised both satisfaction and concern. Speaking after the match, head coach Hoang Van Phuc did not hide his satisfaction with reaching the knockout stage, but also frankly acknowledged the remaining shortcomings. He said the team already knew Myanmar had drawn with Bangladesh before facing Thailand, yet the coaching staff did not ask the players to play for a point. "We prepared with the mindset to win, not to draw," the Vietnamese coach affirmed. On the pitch, beating Thailand was never easy. The opponents prepared well tactically, using three centre-backs, pushing both wing-backs high and often adding a fifth midfielder. This proactive defensive setup put Vietnam's midfield under heavy pressure in the first half. Attacking passes were broken up, and Thailand largely controlled the tempo of the match. It was the most difficult period for Vietnam. After the break, Hoang Van Phuc made important adjustments. Vietnam pushed higher and pressed Thailand intensely, preventing them from building easily from the back. This shift helped Vietnam regain control, creating several dangerous moments. Bich Thuy and Vu Thi Hoa were the most prominent attacking threats, but lacked luck and precision in the final shot. Had they converted their chances, Vietnam could have won by a bigger margin. Still, the draw did not disappoint the coach too much. "A point also makes us satisfied because the team has qualified for the quarter-finals," he said. That mindset reflects the reality of a team that must plan for the knockout stage rather than chase victory at all costs. However, scoring only one goal in three group matches remains a major question mark over the attack. The coach felt the team created clear chances against Chinese Taipei and Thailand, but finishing was not up to standard. In the Thailand match, the crucial importance of a single point forced the team to play carefully. "If we had pushed our formation higher, we could have scored, but we could not take risks," Phuc explained. More broadly, Vietnam's issue is not only finishing. Against regional rivals, Vietnam often controls possession but lacks sharpness in decisive moments. Against strong sides like Japan, the gap in quality remains significant. Therefore, reaching the quarter-finals is considered a success, but going further requires a perfect scenario and a bit of luck. The 2026 Asian Games is taking place in Japan, where women's football has developed greatly. For Vietnam, appearing in the quarter-finals is an encouraging achievement. But fans are waiting for an even bigger surprise, as Vietnamese women's football has created several historic milestones. The key is turning desire into concrete actions on the pitch. In the quarter-finals, Vietnam will face China, one of the strongest forces in Asian women's football. China possess players with good physicality, speed and technique, along with a rich history in major tournaments. Hoang Van Phuc admitted that China are currently stronger than Vietnam. He also said the two teams met in a pre-tournament training camp, giving the coaching staff useful insight into the opponent. Tactically, defensive counter-attacking is almost the optimal option for Vietnam in this match. A solid defence and quick transitions could make the difference. However, this requires the players to stay fully focused for 90 minutes and make the most of limited chances. Otherwise, all defensive efforts will be in vain. Another important factor is fitness. After three intense matches, the Vietnamese players need time to recover. Hoang Van Phuc said the first priority is recovery, then they will decide on the specific game plan. With the dense schedule of a multi-sport event, good recovery will be key to being in the best condition against China. The quarter-final between Vietnam and China will kick off at 5:00 PM (Vietnam time) on September 25, 2026. It will be a huge challenge, but not without opportunity. The history of Asian women's football has witnessed many surprises, and perhaps Hoang Van Phuc's side will create a fairy tale. The important thing is that the players keep their belief, play with courage and seize their moments. If they do, a place in the semi-finals is not out of reach.