Hai Yen determined to shine at what could be her final Asian Games

Early morning at the Suzhou training center in China, the Vietnam women's national team began their first training session in a three-week preparation camp ahead of the Asian Games. On the pitch, veteran striker Pham Hai Yen focused intensely on each finishing drill. For her, this could be her final Asian Games in her international career. The coaching staff has laid out a meticulous preparation plan, divided into two distinct phases. In the first phase in China, the team will play two friendlies: against Jiangsu FC on September 5 and against the China national team on September 9. In the second phase in Japan, the team will face Chinese Taipei, Japan, and Thailand from September 14 to 21. According to reports from the coaching staff, the morning session focused on light recovery training after the long flight. The afternoon session lasted 90 minutes, dedicated entirely to tactics, refining match plans against potential opponents at the Asian Games. The coaching team has carefully researched and selected suitable opponents to help the team assess its squad, test tactics, and gain international experience. Pham Hai Yen shared: "Training and living conditions here are excellent; the coaching staff has prepared everything thoughtfully. The whole team is in good spirits and highly determined." She emphasized her personal goals for this Asian Games: maintaining consistent form, taking on the leadership role to guide younger players, and scoring goals to help the team achieve the best possible results. Looking at the match schedule, a clear progressive escalation strategy emerges: from a club-level team, to a top-tier Asian national team, then to regional opponents. This approach is highly regarded in modern football, helping the team build confidence before facing tougher challenges. Notably, the choice of China as the training base is not random. The climate and time zone are similar to Japan, where the Asian Games will be held, helping the team adapt quickly. Playing in Japan just before the tournament also provides advantages in familiarizing with local conditions and facilities. However, there is a tactical blind spot that experts should note. Facing Japan - a team with high-pressing style and fast ball circulation - could expose gaps in Vietnam's defensive transition. This is the real test for the team's transitional defense system. Another important aspect is the generational transition. Hai Yen's public statement about her final Asian Games signals that the team is at the threshold of a major personnel change. If several veteran pillars retire after this tournament, the Vietnam women's team could face a significant squad gap. This raises questions about the coaching staff's succession planning in the medium term. The friendly against Thailand on September 21 also carries deep tactical significance. Thailand is a direct competitor in the Southeast Asian region, where Vietnam has established dominance alongside Thailand and the Philippines. Maintaining sharpness against regional opponents shows the coaching staff is not only targeting the Asian Games but also considering upcoming regional tournaments. Data from my match tracking shows that the Vietnam women's team has made remarkable progress since the 2026 Women's World Cup. Organizing an overseas training camp with high-quality opponents like China and Japan is a serious investment signal from the Vietnam Football Federation, demonstrating ambition to close the gap with Asia's top tier. Football is a chess game with running pawns. Hai Yen, at an age past her career peak, remains the most important piece in the coach's hands. The question arises: can the Vietnam women's team find a worthy successor when Hai Yen departs? This Asian Games is not just a farewell for a legend, but also a test of squad depth and strategic vision for Vietnamese women's football.