Vietnam vs Chinese Taipei: A win is possible, but a draw would be preferable (12:00 on March 7, TV360 live broadcast of Asian Cup 2026)

The Vietnam women's team has 3 points after their opening match and ranks 36th in the world according to FIFA, while Chinese Taipei stands at 40th. In terms of morale, form, and points, coach Mai Duc Chung's team is slightly ahead of their opponent.

Starting the Asian Cup 2026 with a clear victory is an encouraging result, as coach Mai Duc Chung assessed after the match. However, the Vietnam team needs more than just a quarter-final spot; they aim for a World Cup ticket even before heading to Australia for the Asian championship. Therefore, the Vietnam team must strategize in every match, starting from the group stage.

According to the bracket, finishing third in Group C would make it easier for the Vietnam women's team to secure a World Cup ticket. If they finish second in the group, coach Mai Duc Chung's team would face one of four teams: North Korea, China, South Korea, or Australia in the subsequent rounds, risking not getting a direct ticket and having to participate in the intercontinental play-off.

Thus, to finish third in Group C and still advance to the quarter-finals, the Vietnam women's team needs to draw with Chinese Taipei in this match. In the final match, Vietnam must lose to Japan by a margin of at least 3 goals, while Chinese Taipei wins against India with any score. Then, Japan tops Group C, and Vietnam ranks third because they have the same 4 points as Chinese Taipei but a worse goal difference.

An advantage for the Vietnam team is that they will play their second match on March 7, after Groups A and B have completed their two matches. This also means the Vietnam team already knows the situation of the other two groups. It is likely that the third-placed teams in Groups A and B will have only 3 points maximum after three matches. If they draw with Chinese Taipei, Vietnam will have 4 points and definitely advance to the quarter-finals if they finish third in Group C.

Of course, head coach Mai Duc Chung has thoroughly prepared the players. The Vietnam team needs at least 1 point against Chinese Taipei; that is certain.

Before facing the Vietnam team, Chinese Taipei coach Prasobchoke Chokemo stated: "We have prepared for the playing conditions and focused on fitness. We will learn from mistakes and fight in the upcoming matches to try to secure a spot in the knockout round."

Of course, all calculations only hold value if the Vietnam team firmly holds the power to decide their own fate.

Prediction: 1-1

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