On paper at least, Taiwan were the favorites for this encounter and acted accordingly. Within fifteen minutes Su Yu-hsuan scored her twentieth national team goal with a rasping shot from distance after latching onto Maho Tanaka’s through-ball.

Taiwan continued to enjoy the majority of chances but had to wait until the 80th minute to double that lead when fellow debutant Minori Wakabayashi was the fastest to react to a goalmouth scramble and prod the ball home.

With little time left to play, Taiwan should have eased into cruise control and saw the game out. However, an opportunistic goal from Vietnam near the end of regular time forced the Mulan to mount a frantic defensive stand for the final few minutes. A critical save from Wang Yu-ting not only made amends for an earlier error but ultimately was the difference between a nervy victory for Taiwan and a costly two-goal collapse. It certainly wasn’t pretty but the team in blue eventually closed out the game with a deserved three-points.

Taiwan now rest for three days, but will then take on Thailand, who were soundly thrashed by hosts Japan, 8–0 in the group’s other game.