Vietnam U20 focuses on defense when facing Japan

Vietnam women's U20 team is focused on reinforcing their defense when they encounter the title favorite Japan in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 AFC Women's U20 Asian Cup.

The Vietnam women's U20 national team will certainly need to be extremely cautious when facing the six-time champion Japan in the quarterfinal match at 4:00 PM tomorrow, April 11.

Vietnam women's U20 had a challenging journey to reach the knockout stage, advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bangladesh in their third Group A match.

However, Vietnam U20 last reached the knockout round in 2004, and head coach Okiyama Masahiko has urged his players to strive harder to progress further.

"Japan is a top-tier team in Asia, so we will need to analyze them thoroughly, build a solid defense, and prepare a plan focused on maximizing our limited opportunities," he said.

The 58-year-old Japanese coach also understands that the match will be decided on the field.

"First, we need to ensure the players are in good physical condition, including managing fatigue and mental exhaustion," he said.

"Compared to Japan, we have an extra day of rest, so we will use that to prepare well, achieve full recovery, and have the right motivation."

Japan, the record champion and runner-up in 2024, easily advanced to the quarterfinals with an unbeaten record in Group C, scoring 13 goals and conceding only twice, and coach Akira Ijiri clearly understands not to disrupt what is working well.

"We will continue doing everything the way we are doing it," said Ijiri, who coincidentally coached Vietnam U20 at the 2024 tournament.

The 55-year-old coach, while not underestimating the opponent, will also use this match to emphasize his team's status as a force in Asia.

"We will spend time analyzing the opponent and prepare in a way that allows us to showcase the best of Japanese football. That's all, I won't change my approach and will continue as usual."