Vietnam stun UAE, move closer to 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals
VOV.VN - The Vietnam women’s national football team defeated their UAE opponents 6–0 in their second qualifying match for the 2026 Asian Cup at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho province, on July 2 evening, moving a step closer to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals.
Following their 7–0 win over the Maldives, Vietnam delivered another dominant performance in their second match at Viet Tri stadium. Despite a rather relaxed and somewhat complacent style of play, the hosts maintained full control and kept the ball mostly in the opponents’ half.
Within the first 15 minutes, Vietnam were already 2–0 ahead, with easy goals from Chuong Thi Kieu and Thai Thi Thao. Despite playing at a slow tempo, Vietnam accelerated toward the end of the first half and scored again, with Nguyen Thi Van heading the ball into the net from Thai Thi Thao’s cross.
Early in the second half, Van struck again to make it 4–0. Coach Chung gradually substituted his key players to refresh the lineup, but Vietnam continued to dominate. The UAE had no attacking chances and barely crossed the halfway line.
The home team created many more opportunities, and although not all were converted, they added two more goals by Pham Hai Yen and Ngan Thi Van Su.
The match ended with a 6–0 win, keeping Vietnam at the top of the group, two points ahead of Guam.
After the match, coach Chung said he was satisfied with the result, but the twam would learn more from the match.
“There are still many issues we need to learn from. The players' attacking coordination wasn’t very smooth, there were too many misplaced passes, and we didn’t do well in challenges. The players need to press more aggressively," said Chung.
Meanwhile, UAE coach Vera Pauw said he was proud of his players because they fought until they had no strength left. “They fought for honour. There is nothing to blame them for,” he shared.
According to him, the difference lies in the fact that Guam's players are amateurs who only train once or twice a week, while their opponents are professional players from a country with a large player base and a long history of development.
In the final group-stage match on July evening, Vietnam will face Guam in a battle for the top spot, and a draw will be enough to guarantee their qualification.
Vietnam thrash Maldives 7-0 in 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifier opener
VOV.VN - The Vietnam women’s national team have got off to a strong start in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers with a 7-0 win over Maldives.
