Japanese coach asserts Vietnam team will win final match of Asian Championship

Vietnam U20 women's team lost 1-4 to Thailand, coach Okiyama Masahiko stated the whole team will strive to secure 3 points in the final match against Bangladesh.

Following the 1-4 defeat against Thailand U20 women's team in the second match of Group A at the AFC U20 Women's Asian Championship 2026, Vietnam U20 women's team faces a major challenge in the race for advancement. This loss forces the team to win the final match against Bangladesh U20 women's team to maintain hope.

Head coach Okiyama Masahiko did not hide his determination: “Our goal is naturally to secure 3 points and strive to advance. Although today's result was not as desired, the team will give their utmost effort in the final match.” These words show the team's spirit remains intact and focused on a clear objective.

Regarding his players' performance, he acknowledged the result did not meet expectations but noted the effort in the second half: “The players tried to encourage and rally each other to create a better game situation in the second half.” This is a positive sign, indicating the players maintained their fighting spirit despite early difficulties in the first half.

The reasons for the initial difficulties were pointed out by coach Okiyama: unfavorable playing conditions and the opponent's superior technical level. “There were factors like we didn't have much training on the pitch. However, Thailand U20 women's team's technique is very good, I saw quite a significant gap in technical aspects.” He emphasized that the team still needs time to improve their level, especially basic skills.

Looking ahead to the decisive match against Bangladesh U20 women's team, coach Okiyama focused on players' awareness and individual skills: “Technique cannot be improved in just one or two days. What matters is each player's awareness. They must realize they need to improve, for example in one-touch situations or passing and ball control techniques.”

According to the schedule, the final group stage match will take place on April 7th. This is an opportunity for Vietnam U20 women's team to prove their capability and secure all 3 points, keeping hope alive for advancing. With the determined spirit from coach Okiyama and his players, the upcoming match promises to be a dramatic breakthrough performance.