Vietnam's 2006-born prodigy speaks candidly about the World Cup qualifier match against Japan.

Vietnam U20 women's midfielder An Hoàng Cúc holds a very high regard for the footballing prowess of their rival, Japan U20 women's team.

On April 10 afternoon, the Vietnam U20 women's national team continued their training session in Bangkok (Thailand) to prepare for the quarter-final match against Japan U20 women's team at the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026.

The training session continued to take place during the match schedule timeframe from 3:30 PM under hot weather conditions, with outdoor temperatures reaching 37°C. Despite this, the entire team maintained focus and a serious spirit, actively carrying out fitness drills, team formation organization, and refining tactical requirements according to the coaching staff's plan.

Before the training session, midfielder An Hoàng Cúc shared her assessment that Japan U20 women's team is a very strong opponent with a modern style of play: "Japan U20 women's team is a very strong opponent, with a compact style of play, quick transitions, and possessing many technical players."

Speaking about her personal preparation, the 2006-born player stated she is focused on improving her defensive capabilities and ensuring the best physical foundation: "For myself, I will strive to prepare my defensive movements and organization really well, and also prepare my physical condition to be excellent."

The young midfielder also emphasized the determination of the whole team ahead of the crucial match: "I and the entire team will try our utmost to achieve the best possible result for tomorrow's match."

Sharing about her first participation in the continental U20 age-level competition, Hoàng Cúc expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to learn and accumulate experience: "I myself am a new player, first-time attending the continental U20. I learn the playing style from players with many good skills. I will strive to accumulate and progress further."

According to the match schedule, the Vietnam U20 women's national team will face Japan U20 women's team at 4:00 PM on April 11 at Pathum Thani Stadium (Thailand).

The Vietnam national team's Xơ Đăng ethnic player aims to score against Japan.

Vietnam U20 is ready for the major battle against Japan.