Ranked 117th in the world, the UAE women's team consists of semi-professional players who rarely train together. They have never qualified for the Asian Cup finals and are rebuilding their team after disbanding due to Covid-19. In their opening match, they drew 0-0 with Guam.

Despite this, Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung fielded his strongest lineup, including the return of Kim Thanh, Chuong Kieu, Thai Thao, Thu Thuong, Thu Thao, Duong Van, and Huynh Nhu. Vietnam won their opening match against the Maldives 7-0 with a less experienced squad.

Thai Thao (11) scores easily for Vietnam against UAE in Group E of the women's Asian Cup qualifiers, on the evening of 2/7 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho. Photo: Minh Khue.

Facing an opponent ranked 80 places lower, Vietnam dominated from the start. In the 2nd minute, Huynh Nhu had a one-on-one opportunity with the UAE goalkeeper but her shot from a tight angle was too weak.

In the 11th minute, from Van Su's corner, center-back Chuong Thi Kieu headed the ball into the net to open the scoring. Just three minutes later, a miscommunication between the UAE goalkeeper and defender allowed Thai Thao to score into an empty net, doubling Vietnam's lead to 2-0.

While Vietnam maintained their relentless attack, the UAE focused on defense. Goalkeeper Kim Thanh had perhaps the easiest match of her career, never having to make a save with her hands, only using her foot once to return a back-pass. Upfront, Huynh Nhu, Van Su, and Bich Thuy were active but missed several good chances. Finally, in the 43rd minute, Nguyen Thi Van headed in a perfect cross to make it 3-0 for Vietnam.

A 3-0 halftime lead wasn't enough for coach Mai Duc Chung. In the second half, he brought on striker Hai Yen to bolster the attack. While captain Huynh Nhu had an off day, other players made their mark. Nguyen Thi Van, Hai Yen, and Van Su each found the back of the net to secure a 6-0 victory for Vietnam.

Hai Yen (12) and teammates celebrate their 6-0 victory against UAE in Group E of the women's Asian Cup qualifiers, on the evening of 2/7. Photo: Minh Khue.

In the other match, Guam defeated the Maldives 3-0. Therefore, after two rounds, Vietnam leads the group ahead of Guam on goal difference. In the final match, Vietnam needs only a draw against Guam to secure the group's sole qualifying spot for the finals.

The 2026 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers feature 34 teams divided into eight groups: two groups of five and six groups of four. The eight group winners will qualify for the 2026 Asian Cup finals.

Vietnam is hosting Group E matches at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho from 29/6 to 5/7.

Four teams have already qualified for the 2026 Asian Cup finals: host Australia and the top three finishers from the 2022 Asian Cup: China, South Korea, and Japan.

The top six teams in the finals will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The seventh and eighth-placed teams will compete in an intercontinental playoff for Asia's seventh spot in the 2027 World Cup.

On 5/7, Vietnam will face Guam at 7 p.m., while UAE will play the Maldives at 4 p.m.

Duc Dong