Vietnam team enters crucial match at Asian Cup

Facing a resilient India defense and sharp counterattacks, the Vietnam women's team endured a tense 90 minutes. Thorough preparation, bold passes from the backline, and a shining moment from Ngan Thi Van Su helped Coach Mai Duc Chung's side achieve the 3-point goal, securing an important advantage in Group C.

In Asian football, the gap between mid-tier teams is no longer vast. The India team entered the match as underdogs, but their defensive organization forcedthe Vietnam women's teamto hold their breath.

A deep defensive block, fierce duels, and readiness to launch direct counter-attacks made the match far from one-sided as predicted.

The numbers show a certain balance: Vietnam controlled 64% of possession, took 11 shots with 6 on target; India had 9 shots, 4 of which forced goalkeeper Kim Thanh into action.

These are the stats of a match where the South Asian representative was far from passive. India patiently waited for mistakes and managed to equalize after capitalizing on a rare opportunity.

However, the difference lay in preparation and match reading. Coach Mai Duc Chung knows his players well. He understood that when the wing play was continuously probing but not maximally effective, the team needed a more surprising solution. The long over-the-top passes from the center-backs were the key.

Instead of the usual short build-up, Vietnam unexpectedly played long balls from the back, catching the Indian defense off guard. The opening goal came from such a move.

The ball was played over the top by Thai Thi Thao, exploiting the space behind the opponent's defensive line, allowingNgan Thi Van Suto execute a decisive finish. That was a calculated strike, not a moment of improvisation.

Early in the second half, the Vietnam women's team thought they had scored another from Hai Yen's cross, but VAR disallowed it for a prior handball by Thanh Nha. That moment made the match more tense than ever. When India equalized, pressure mounted on the players in red.

In difficult times, their composure showed. Vietnam did not retreat or lose their way. They continued to dare to play, to attack. And once again, boldness from the back made the difference. A long over-the-top pass from Cu Thi Huynh Nhu surprised the Indian defense, creating the chance for Vu Thi Hoa to deliver a cross for Van Su to seal the victory.

Ngan Thi Van Su may not have an ideal physique, but she makes up for it with speed, cleverness, and a tireless fighting spirit. She moves relentlessly, willingly drops back to defend, and accelerates into space. Two cleanly taken chances are proof of the maturity of a striker coming into her own.

The opening victory in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup might have been harder than expected, but it was fully deserved. The Vietnam team excelled in tactical organization, variety in attacking approaches, and particularly in decisive moments.

More importantly, a never-give-up spirit was maintained throughout. As the match entered its final minutes, instead of settling for a draw, the Vietnam women's team pushed forward seeking the win. That proactive approach affirmed that this team doesn't just play not to lose, but plays to conquer.

Ahead lies a bigger challenge as Van Su and her teammates face Chinese Taipei at 12:00 on March 7th, before meeting Japan on the afternoon of March 10th. Overcoming the similarly-rated Chinese Taipei would open the path to the quarter-finals, meaning a step closer to the World Cup.

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