The Southeast Asian side has already defeated Hong Kong (China) 5-3 and the Philippines 3-0 in their first two tournament matches at the Hohhot Sports Center.
The team also managed to stay on top of Group B with seven points after a goalless draw against two-time champions Iran 0-0 on May 11.
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Vietnamese player K'Thua tries to stop Iranian Sara Shirbeigi during their Group B match of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup on May 11 in Hohhot, China. (Photo: VFF) |
The only team to have won this tournament, Iran saw plenty of the ball in the first half, but never really troubled Tran Thi Hai Yen’s goal apart from a Sara Shirbeigi effort that was saved.
Meanwhile, Vietnam were content to let their opponents do the probing as they sat back and waited for opportunities to score, though these never materialized.
Iran took their foot off the pedal after the break, but Vietnam could not take advantage.
Tran Thi Thu Xuan came close with a strike from an impossible angle, which was deflected away by goalkeeper Farzaneh Tavasoli. Then, with two minutes left, Bui Thi Trang dragged a low shot wide of the left post.
Yen then ventured out of her goal to have a pop, which flew well off target as the match petered out into a stalemate.
Vietnam will next face Japan, the Group C runners-up, while Iran take on Chinese Taipei, which finished second in Group A, on the same day.
Speaking to reporters after the match, coach Hoang said, "Today’s match is part of our plan. Both teams have new priorities after advancing to the next round, leading to the slow pace of the game.
"For us, the important thing is to stay proactive, play a balanced match and preserve our strength for the knockout stage,” he said.
Hoang said his coaching board have kept their eyes on all Group A rivals and have built plans for all possible situations.
"We now have to focus 100% on the quarter-final match. We will play with highest determination and best physique and tactics," said Hoang, revealing that his team are in good condition and the strongest line-up was ready for a tough Japanese team.
Japan are one of the strongest Asian sides. The team beat Indonesia 5-2 and Bahrain 3-2 before losing 1-3 to Thailand in Group A.
They qualified for the gold-medal match in two previous cups, in 2015 and 2018. Unluckily, they lost both to Iran.
China were the first team to seal their quarter-final place after three wins to remain unbeaten and will face Indonesia, who advanced from Group C as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Thailand, which topped Group C, will take on Hong Kong, who advanced from Group B on the best third-place ticket.
The quarter-finals will be played on May 13, with the final on May 17.
The top three finishers will qualify for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025.
Source: VNA