Six-time champions Japan U20 women’s national team produced a dominant display to defeat Vietnam U20 women’s national team 4–0 in the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani.
The convincing victory not only secured Japan a place in the semi-finals, but also confirmed their qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026, keeping their quest for a seventh continental title firmly on track.
Vietnam started the match with discipline, successfully disrupting Japan’s early attacking rhythm. Goalkeeper Le Thi Thu made several routine saves, dealing comfortably with early attempts from Natsumi Tago, Mao Itamura, and a powerful long-range strike from Rinka Higuchi.
Japan came close to breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute when defender Mone Sato connected with a set-piece delivered by Noa Fukushima, only to see her first-time effort strike the right post.
Japan’s pressure eventually paid off in the 18th minute. After Le parried a header from Mao Itamura moments earlier, the midfielder reacted quickest inside a crowded penalty area to fire home the loose ball and give Japan a deserved 1–0 lead.
Despite Vietnam’s determined defensive efforts, Japan continued to dominate possession and create opportunities, with long-range attempts from Yura Honda and Fukushima testing the Vietnamese defence.
Japan extended their advantage just before the break. In stoppage time, Natsumi Tago received a pass from Rinka Higuchi, turned sharply and drilled a precise shot into the bottom corner to make it 2–0.
Barely a minute later, Noa Fukushima struck again. Rising behind the defence to meet a cross from Hibari Hara, she headed past the advancing goalkeeper to give Japan a commanding 3–0 lead heading into half-time.
Japan maintained its attacking momentum in the second half, forcing Le Thi Thu into several impressive saves, including stops against substitute Miki Kimura and another effort from Tago.
However, the Vietnamese goalkeeper could do little in the 61st minute when Mao Itamura unleashed a spectacular strike from around 25 yards that flew into the top corner, sealing a stunning brace and Japan’s fourth goal of the night.
Japan continued pressing until the final whistle, but Le Thi Thu prevented further damage with key saves against Konoha Nakamura and Yura Honda.
With the emphatic 4–0 victory, Japan advances to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner between China PR and Uzbekistan.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
