Asian Games

OSAKA — The Việt Nam women's football team are ready for their 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD) quarter-final against China on Friday, with head coach Hoàng Văn Phúc targeting a surprise against one of Asia's strongest sides.

The match, the third time Việt Nam have reached the women's football quarter-finals at the Asian Games, will kick off at 1pm Vietnamese time.

China are a major challenge for Việt Nam, with a considerably higher FIFA ranking and a strong record at the Asian Games. Despite the gap in rankings and experience, Việt Nam are determined to enter the knockout clash with confidence and look to create a surprise against their opponents.

Việt Nam reached the quarter-finals after defeating Thailand in a goalless draw on Monday, while China advanced as Group G winners.

The Chinese side are ranked 16th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings, compared with 37th for Việt Nam.

China also have a strong record at the Asian Games. They have won three gold medals, in 1990, 1994 and 1998, and two silver medals, in 2002 and 2018. At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China took bronze after beating Uzbekistan in the third-place playoff.

China's record underlines their regular presence among the medal contenders at the continent's biggest multi-sport event.

After three consecutive group-stage matches, several Việt Nam players showing signs of fatigue remain under the supervision of the medical team, receiving treatment and taking part in appropriate recovery exercises.

Managing their fitness has been prioritised to give them more time to recover before the quarter-final.

The rest of the squad remain in good condition, taking part in training and completing the tasks set by the coaching staff.

"I highly appreciate the spirit, determination and efforts of the whole team in the three group-stage matches," coach Phúc said.

"Aside from recovery sessions, I also wanted the team to take some time to visit Osaka and relax before entering the knockout stage. I watched China's match against Uzbekistan. They maintained the same lineup and strong style of play as in the friendly against us.

"The coaching staff will reassess the physical condition of the players before deciding on the starting lineup. The good news is that the team's spirit and playing style have improved with each match, as we look to create a surprise against China."

Midfielder Dương Thị Vân said the team were in good spirits and focusing on recovering physically and preparing for the match.

"The whole team are very happy and relaxed after reaching the quarter-finals. In terms of fitness, we will try our best to recover well and prepare for the next match," she said.

Việt Nam faced China during their preparations for the ASIAD, and Vân acknowledged the size of the challenge.

"China are clearly ahead of us in many aspects, from physical strength and fitness to technical and tactical ability. However, that will not discourage us. We will enter the match with the highest level of confidence and determination and try to get the best possible result," said the 32-year-old midfielder.

Vân also highlighted the importance of the coaching staff's tactical preparations.

"I have played against many international opponents. At the same time, the coaching staff will come up with appropriate tactics. I think the whole team will prepare well, enter the match against China and aim for a suitable approach."

Việt Nam are in a period of transition, with young players being given opportunities alongside more experienced members of the squad. Vân said the team were gradually adapting to new requirements under the new coaching staff.

"As everyone knows, the team are going through a generational transition, while the new coaching staff have introduced new tactics. We are making every effort to adapt and improve in all aspects.

"I hope the fans will continue to accompany and support the Vietnamese women's team. Personally, I will do my best to connect the members, both on and off the pitch, so everyone can play with confidence and do their best," Vân said.

This is Vân's second Asian Games. The experienced midfielder said Việt Nam's quarter-final place was a positive sign, adding that she hoped the team would play with a relaxed mindset and continue to improve in the next stage.

"This is my second Asian Games, and it is a difficult tournament. At the previous Games, we were eliminated in the group stage. This time, we have gone further, which is also a positive sign.

"I think the team can play with a relaxed mindset at this tournament, which will help us perform better in the matches ahead." — VNS