Stopping before Japan, Vietnam women's futsal team regretfully ends World Cup dream
Losing 0-2 to Japan in the quarter-finals, the Vietnamese women's futsal team ended their journey at the 2025 Asian tournament and missed their World Cup dream.
On May 13, the Vietnamese women's futsal team faced Japan in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Asian Women's Futsal Championship. This is considered a huge challenge for coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang and his team, as Japan is considered a very strong team.
Right after the opening whistle, Japan quickly pushed up their formation and put constant pressure on the Vietnamese team. Just 3 minutes after the match started, from a shot by Kyoka Takahashi, the ball hit Phuong Anh's foot and changed direction, going straight into the net, opening the score for the team from the land of the rising sun.
In the 6th minute, Thuy Linh's net shook again after a shot from player number 6 of Japan, but the goal was not recognized. After this situation, coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang's students played more focused, organized a tight defense and neutralized most of the opponent's attacks. The first half ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of Japan.
In the second half, Japan continued to control the game. In the 24th minute, from Van Anh's mistake in losing the ball in the midfield, the opposing team organized a quick counterattack. Ryo Egawa easily finished into an empty net, raising the score to 2-0.
In the rest of the match, Japan maintained their dominance with many dangerous shots. Despite great efforts, the Vietnamese women's futsal team could not find an equalizer, accepting defeat and stopping at the quarter-finals.
With this result, the door to the 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup Finals has officially closed for the Vietnamese team. However, the brave fighting spirit and last-minute efforts of the “golden star girls” still deserve praise and respect.
Speaking after the match, coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang shared: “I feel a little regretful about the two goals conceded, because the whole team had many moments of playing very well. Just one moment of carelessness against an opponent like Japan was enough to make us pay the price. However, I am very proud of the brave fighting spirit of the players. We will quickly return to prepare for the next goal - SEA Games.”./.
