One point, one ticket, and an attack that still owes: Vietnam women's team reach Asiad 2026 quarter-finals

Vietnam women's national football team have qualified for the quarter-finals of Asiad 2026 without needing a win of their own. After Myanmar and Bangladesh drew 0-0 in Group F, Vietnam officially finished above Myanmar in the ranking of the best third-placed teams. Earlier, Vietnam had drawn 0-0 with Thailand in their final group match. Head coach Hoang Van Phuc said his team knew one point was enough to advance, but they did not approach the match simply to draw. Thailand changed their system to three centre-backs and five midfielders, which made it difficult for Vietnam to control the midfield in the first half. After adjustments, Vietnam pressed high and created two or three clear chances, including opportunities for Bich Thuy and Vu Thi Hoa. However, Vietnam scored only one goal in three group matches. Phuc admitted the attack needs improvement, but explained the team could not take too many risks because a draw was enough. In the quarter-finals, Vietnam will face China on September 25 at 17:00 Vietnam time. Phuc said China are stronger than Vietnam and that the most viable approach is defence and counter-attack. The match against China will decide whether Vietnam can turn their disciplined survival into a real story at Asiad 2026.