BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Japan launched its Women’s Asian Cup campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Taiwan on Wednesday, overcoming punishing heat and a resilient defensive display to take control of Group C in Australia. Second-half goals from Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike ultimately broke the deadlock in a match that had been dominated territorially by the former champions.
Later in the day, Vietnam completed the opening round of group-stage fixtures with a dramatic 2-1 win over India, secured by Ngân Thị Vạn Sự’s stoppage-time strike.
Japan entered the tournament among the leading contenders, having lifted back-to-back continental titles in 2014 and 2018. Facing a well-organized Taiwan side intent on frustrating their rhythm, the Japanese squad controlled possession from the outset but struggled to translate dominance into goals during the first hour.
Despite generating wave after wave of pressure, Japan were repeatedly denied by a compact defensive structure and disciplined goalkeeping. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute. Hana Takahashi delivered a high, lofted pass into the penalty area, which Tanikawa controlled with composure. After settling herself, she dispatched a right-footed finish from close range, providing the reward Japan’s sustained attacking efforts had merited.
The lead was extended deep into added time. In the second minute of seven minutes signaled by the referee, Seike rose above defenders at the edge of the box to meet Remina Chiba’s cross from the left flank, powering a header into the net and sealing the result.
Statistically, Japan’s dominance was overwhelming. They registered 30 attempts on goal, with 10 on target, and maintained nearly 90 percent possession throughout the contest. Taiwan, though resolute defensively, failed to produce a single shot on target. The margin might have widened further had goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting not delivered a series of composed saves, including a fingertip stop to push Yui Hasegawa’s late effort over the crossbar.
The match unfolded under searing conditions in Perth, where temperatures climbed toward 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit). Officials implemented cooling breaks in each half, allowing players to rehydrate and apply ice packs to counter the intense heat.
While Japan’s victory underscored their status as favorites in Group C, Vietnam’s win over India provided one of the day’s most dramatic moments.
Vietnam struck first in the 30th minute when Vạn Sự curled a precise right-footed effort into the top corner from the left side of the penalty area. The goal reflected Vietnam’s attacking ambition and technical sharpness. Shortly after halftime, Vietnam appeared to have doubled their advantage, but a lengthy video review ruled out the effort. The decision determined that a cross into the area had deflected off Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã’s arm before Thái Thị Thảo converted during a scramble.
India capitalized on the reprieve. In the 52nd minute, substitute Sanfida Nongrum launched a swift counterattack and fired a left-footed shot over the advancing goalkeeper to draw the teams level. The equalizer injected urgency into the contest, which seemed destined to end in a stalemate.
However, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Vietnam produced a decisive final push. Vũ Thị Hoa delivered a cross from the left, and Vạn Sự reacted quickest, driving a left-footed shot between the legs of a defender to secure the victory and complete her brace.
For India, the defeat marked a disappointing start in a tournament that carries added significance. The country hosted the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup but was forced to withdraw during the group stage after a COVID-19 outbreak within the squad.
Elsewhere in the competition, Group A action earlier in the week saw Australia edge the Philippines 1-0 in Perth, with Sam Kerr scoring the decisive goal. South Korea, runner-up in 2024, opened with a commanding 3-0 victory over Iran.
In Group B, North Korea’s Myong Yu Jong netted a first-half hat trick to propel her team to a 3-0 win against Uzbekistan. Defending champion China also began strongly, defeating Bangladesh 2-0.
The tournament has unfolded against a backdrop of broader geopolitical tensions affecting parts of Asia. Ahead of Iran’s match against Australia, striker Sara Didar became emotional while discussing concerns for family and friends amid conflict at home, highlighting the human dimension that accompanies the sporting spectacle.
As the group stage progresses, Japan’s comprehensive performance positions them firmly at the top of Group C, while Vietnam’s late heroics have injected early momentum into their campaign. With continental pride and World Cup qualification pathways at stake, the competition promises further drama in the days ahead.
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