Japan Clinch Top Spot, Vietnam Out of Women’s Asian Cup

Japan maintained its perfect record in Group C of the Women’s Asian Cup after an easy 4-0 win over Vietnam on Tuesday. The tournament’s progress saw Vietnam finish third in their group with three points, placing them in the bottom bracket alongside Uzbekistan and the Philippines.

Taiwan secured second place by defeating India 3-1, securing a spot in the quarter-finals for Saturday’s match against Japan. This will be played a day before Taiwan faces the Philippines.

Japan’s victory over Vietnam began with Yui Hasegawa’s header into the net in the 21st minute after a cross from Yuki Ueki. Despite Vietnam goalkeeper Khong Thi Hang making several diving saves, including on Martina Thokchom’s header that hit the post early in the game, Japan’s persistent attacks paid off as they scored three more goals within 16 minutes.

Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino, and Kiko Seike scored to secure a commanding victory.

In the same group match in Sydney, India failed to take an early lead when Martina Thokchom’s header hit the crossbar. Taiwan took the lead with Sanju Yadav’s through-pass intercepted by Chen Jin-wen who crossed for Su Yu-hsuan, scoring easily.

Manisha Kalyan’s powerful shot from a long-range free-kick managed to find the crossbar before landing on Indian keeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu’s back and rolling into the net.

Taiwan’s Hsu Yi-yun then took advantage of Wu Kai-ching’s through ball, scoring in the 77th minute. This ensured Taiwan’s qualification for the quarter-finals, a day ahead of Japan’s match against the Philippines.

India’s defeat to Japan left them without any points and with a goal difference of minus 14, the worst in Group C.