PERTH, Australia — Japan and Vietnam emerged victorious in their opening Group C matches of the Women’s Asian Cup on Wednesday, though both teams faced significant challenges in extreme heat conditions. Japan secured a 2-0 win against a resilient Taiwan defense while Vietnam claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over India with a stoppage-time goal.
Japan, the tournament favorite and back-to-back champion in 2014 and 2018, dominated possession with nearly 90% of the ball and registered 30 shots at goal. Despite overwhelming offensive pressure, Japan struggled to convert opportunities until the 61st minute when Momoko Tanikawa expertly controlled Hana Takahashi’s lofted pass and finished with a precise right-foot shot. The victory was sealed in added time when Kiko Seike leaped above defenders to head home Remina Chiba’s cross.
Taiwan’s defensive organization limited the scoring margin despite failing to register a single shot on target. Goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting made crucial saves, including tipping Yui Hasegawa’s last-minute shot over the crossbar.
In the parallel match, Vietnam’s Ngân Thi Van Su delivered a spectacular performance with both goals. She opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a curling right-foot shot into the top corner. India equalized four minutes after halftime through substitute Sanfida Nongrum’s left-foot strike. The game appeared headed for a draw until Van Su’s dramatic left-foot winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Tournament officials implemented mandatory cooling breaks in both matches as temperatures approached 37°C (99°F) in Perth. Players used ice bags and hydration breaks to combat the extreme conditions.
The tournament continues with Group A featuring Australia’s 1-0 win over the Philippines and South Korea’s 3-0 victory over Iran, while Group B saw North Korea defeat Uzbekistan 3-0 and defending champion China beat Bangladesh 2-0.