Young Nadeshiko Cruise into Semi-Finals

PATHUM THANI, Thailand - The "Young Nadeshiko" delivered a masterclass in clinical football on Saturday evening, dismantling Vietnam 4–0 at the Pathum Thani Stadium. With this commanding Quarter-Final victory, Japan not only secures a spot in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Semi-Finals but also punch their ticket to the 2027 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

From the opening whistle, the tactical gulf between the two sides was evident. Japan’s relentless high press and fluid transitions left the Vietnamese defense struggling for oxygen. The deadlock was finally broken in the 18th minute when Mao Itamura found a pocket of space inside the box. With the composure of a veteran, she slotted the ball home to give Japan a deserved 1–0 lead.

While Vietnam showed incredible resilience for the majority of the first half, a momentary lapse in concentration during stoppage time proved fatal.

In the 45'+1 minute, Natsumi Tago capitalized on a defensive scramble to double the lead. Before the Vietnamese players could catch their breath, Noa Fukushima rose highest in the 45'+2 minute to power home a header, sending Japan into the locker room with a crushing 3–0 advantage.

The second half was a display of game management by the Japanese side. They suffocated Vietnam’s attempts at a counter-attack, maintaining nearly 70% of the possession.

The final exclamation point came in the 61st minute. Mao Itamura, proving why she is the tournament’s standout star, struck a magnificent long-range effort to secure her brace and the fourth goal of the match.

While Vietnam’s historic run comes to an end, they leave the tournament having earned the respect of the continent. For Japan, the eyes are now fixed on the Semi-Finals. On this form, the Young Nadeshiko look like the team to beat as they hunt for their seventh continental crown.