Japanese Coach Adds Young Talent to Vietnam National Team

Vietnam U20 Women's Team and Head Coach Okiyama Masahiko Accelerate Preparations for 2026 Asian Finals.

Head Coach Okiyama Masahiko stated that the entire team is thoroughly preparing both physically and tactically, aiming to compete for a spot in the 2026 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup World Cup qualifiers.

On the third day of training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, Head Coach Okiyama Masahiko shared the preparation plan for the Vietnam U20 Women's Team ahead of the continental finals, emphasizing the team's high focus and determination.

According to Mr. Okiyama Masahiko, the team will have over a month to prepare for this important tournament. Among these, the training camp in China from March 6 to March 14 is considered a crucial preparatory step, helping players refine their skills and adapt to international competition intensity. During the domestic training phase, the coaching staff prioritizes helping players recover their physical condition, regain their rhythm after the Lunar New Year break, and gradually build up their fitness foundation.

After directly observing the National Women's U19 Championship, Coach Okiyama Masahiko added several promising young players to the training squad. He highly evaluates the potential of these new talents and hopes they will foster positive competition, thereby enhancing the squad's overall quality.

In the upcoming finals, the Vietnam U20 Women's Team is grouped with opponents including China, host Thailand, and Bangladesh. The coaching staff is actively analyzing match footage and gathering technical information to prepare thoroughly for each game. According to the Japanese coach, besides reinforcing the playing style established last year, the team will continue to experiment and adjust tactics to create the necessary flexibility for the tournament.

Sharing the team's goals, Head Coach Okiyama Masahiko affirmed the team's strong determination to secure a spot in the World Cup Finals. He acknowledged that the matches in the Asian tournament will be challenging against strong opponents, but believes that with thorough preparation and a determined spirit, the Vietnam U20 Women's Team has every opportunity to compete for advancement. This confidence has also been conveyed to all players, motivating them for the journey ahead.