Vietnam reach Asian Games women's football quarterfinals after draw with Thailand

Needing only a draw to advance, Vietnam opted for a defensive approach and allowed Thailand to control much of the game.

Vietnam's disciplined zonal defense made it difficult for Thailand's forwards to find openings.

Thailand had to wait until the 24th minute for its first shot, when forward Jiraporn's long-range effort went wide without troubling goalkeeper Kim Thanh.

Vietnam gradually regained control of possession toward the end of the first half, but neither side created a clear-cut chance before the break.

The second half followed a similar script, with Vietnam continuing to defend in an organized manner while Thailand pushed forward in search of the opening goal.

Thailand struggled to break through and increasingly relied on individual efforts.

The closest Thailand came was in the 77th minute, when forward Saowalak broke down the left and attempted to chip Kim Thanh.

Cu Thi Huynh Nhu, however, arrived in time to clear the ball off the goal line.

The 0-0 draw left Vietnam third in Group E with one point and a goal difference of minus nine.

Vietnam's record was better than Myanmar's, who finished third in Group F with one point and a goal difference of minus 13.

As a result, Vietnam advanced to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Japan hosts the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, with several events starting from September 10.