Japan 4-0 Chinese Taipei: Nadeshiko shine with 20 goals in 3 matches – a lesson for Vietnamese women's football

Japan advanced to the last eight of the women's football tournament at the 2026 Asian Games after a dominant 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Thursday, completing a perfect group stage with three wins, 20 goals scored and none conceded. Takada Saori opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 6th minute after Kamiya China was brought down in the box. Ten minutes later, Nakajima Yoshino raced down the left wing and crossed for Kamiya to head home, making it 2-0 before half-time. Japan made four substitutions at the start of the second half and still maintained their control. Ueno Mami scored from a rebound in the 51st minute after Hamada Megu's shot was blocked. Then Ikuta Nana, making her senior national team debut, sealed the win in the 58th minute with a right-footed strike into the far corner. Having previously thrashed Thailand 8-0 and Vietnam 8-0, Japan finished top of Group E with 20 goals and a perfect defensive record. They will face the Philippines in the quarter-finals on September 25. Chinese Taipei, who also advanced as group runners-up, will take on North Korea. For Vietnamese football fans, the news is a painful reminder of the chasm between Vietnam and the top of Asian women's football. Vietnam lost to Japan 8-0 in their second group match and then lost narrowly to Chinese Taipei, leaving their fate hanging. The contrast in technical speed, tactical organization and squad depth is visible in every detail. Japan's achievement is not just about the margin of victory. It reflects a long-term investment in youth development, a flexible tactical system and a deep squad where every player can contribute. Meanwhile, Vietnam still relies heavily on individual brilliance and lacks a cohesive structure under pressure. If Vietnamese football truly wants to compete with Asia's best, the time to change is now. While Japan will be favourites to beat the Philippines, head coach Futoshi Ikeda knows the real tests are yet to come. A potential meeting with either North Korea or South Korea could be tougher. Still, with this kind of form and a three-peat in sight, Japan look like the team to beat in Hangzhou.