Manaka Matsukubo led the way with a first half hat-trick as six-time AFC U19 Women’s Championship winners Japan underlined their title credentials with a dominant performance.

Next on the horizon for Japan is a clash against China PR on Thursday, while Vietnam take on DPR Korea.
Japan had their first look at goal in the sixth minute when Haruna Oshima set up Maya Hijikata nicely inside the six yard box, only for the forward to head wide.

Japan’s fluid passing caught Vietnam by surprise in the 11th minute when Fuka Tsunoda sent a wonderful through ball to Matsukubo, who evaded her marker before striking a low drive which bounced off the left post and into the back of the net.

Vietnam, limited to counter-attacks, could have threatened in the 27th minute but Tran Nhat Lan wasted her long range effort off a set-piece situation. At the other end, keeper Le Thi Thu was kept on her toes with Japan almost doubling their lead when Ai Tsujisawa hit the post from close range.

Japan doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Hiromi Yoneda intercepted a poor pass before setting up Matsukubo to strike home a long-range effort.

Vietnam were lucky not to concede again seconds later when defender Ho Thị Thanh Thao deflected Matsukubo’s diving header onto the left post.

Matsukubo completed her hat-trick in the 44th minute when Le Hong Yeu deflected Ai Tsujisawa’s shot onto the path of the North Carolina Courage forward, who had ample time to slot home from close range.

Japan stayed on full throttle in the second half and continued their attacking minded approach with Maya Hijikata finding the back of the net in the 56th minute, before doubling her tally in the 64th minute when she pounced on a rebound after Le Thi Thu had saved Manaka Hayashi’s initial effort.

There was no reprieve for Vietnam as Japan added further goals through Ai Tsujisawa (66th), Rio Sasaki (70th), Chinari Sasai (78th), Hiromi Yoneda (83rd) and Yurie Shirasawa (84th) to send a warning that the title is what they are seeking.