Vietnam women's national team beat Jiangsu women's club 1-0 in friendly ahead of ASIAD 20

On the afternoon of September 5, 2026, at Busan Gudeok Stadium, the Vietnam women's national football team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Jiangsu women's club in a friendly match as preparation for the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD 20). The sole goal was scored by striker Hai Yen in the 14th minute, helping coach Hoang Van Phuc's side finish the match with a clean sheet and three points. During the first 60 minutes, the coaching staff kept the starting lineup intact to test the tactical system built around a solid defensive structure and quick transition play. Vietnam maintained tight team spacing, organized defense, and waited for counter-attacking opportunities — a philosophy suited for stronger opponents they will face at ASIAD such as Japan or South Korea. The early goal in the 14th minute allowed the team to play more conservatively, reducing attacking pressure and focusing on preserving the lead. One notable aspect was the mass substitutions made by coach Hoang Van Phuc in the second half. From the 61st to the 87th minute, a total of 10 players were brought on — a move indicating that the match's primary objective was not result maximization but squad depth evaluation. This decision reflects the coaching staff's trust in their bench and opens opportunities for fringe players to prove their worth before finalizing the 23-player squad for ASIAD. However, the 1-0 victory over a club not among the top tier of Chinese women's football must be placed in proper context. This was only the first friendly in the preparation series, and the true measure will come on September 9 when Vietnam faces the Chinese women's national team — a far superior opponent than any club. Success in that match will be a far more reliable signal for their ASIAD journey. From a tactical standpoint, the most concerning aspect of Vietnam's performance is their reliance on Hai Yen for goals. The only goal came from this striker's feet, and if she is marked out of the game, the defensive counter-attacking style will lose its decisive edge. Remaining friendlies before ASIAD must develop alternative scoring options to avoid a single point of failure. This victory is a positive stepping stone, but only a beginning. The real heartbeat of the Vietnam women's team will be measured when they face the Chinese national team — where every gap in quality will be most exposed.