Light on his feet: Lin Chiung Ying of Taipei (left) seen during a match at the 2014 Asian Games at Munhak Stadium in 2014 in Incheon, South Korea. Lin scores a goal to help Taipei beat Viet Nam at the Olympics' second qualifier round in Myanmar. — Photo gettyimages.com

HA NOI  (VNS) — Viet Nam suffered a shock defeat in their second match of the Olympics' women's football qualification round, Asian zone, yesterday.

The former Southeast Asian Games champion unexpectedly lost 0-1 to Chinese Taipei at the Mansalarthiri Stadium, Mandalay City, Myanmar.

Coach Norimatsu Takashi used his best squad against a rival who was considered the weakest in the Group A and his team created the first chance.

In the 17th minute, Veteran striker Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet reached close to goalkeeper Tsai Ming-Jung of the other side but her shot went a little wide.

Vietnamese players easily set up their domination and found a number of opportunities which, however, could not be converted. Nguyet Nguyen Hai Hoa and Tran Thi Thuy Trang all failed to enter Tsai's net.

Taipei's defenders successfully resisted Viet Nam's consecutive attacks until the interval.

Takashi retained the same squad in the second half using the 4-5-1 formation against Taipei who spent time training hard in Ha Noi last month.

Their improved skills, better height and physique, were brought into play in this half of the match.

Goalie Dang Thi Kieu Trinh of Viet Nam had to work hard with strong support from her defenders to save her net.

However that could only last until the 85th minute.

In a rapid counter-attack, substitute defender Lin Chiung Ying received a ball from the right wing and her straight shot to Trinh's far corner made the opening goal.

With five minutes remaining, Viet Nam made desperate attempts to score, but could not do much to change the score line.

The loss has made things difficult for Viet Nam en route to the final qualification round.

In a press-briefing prior to the match, Takashi, who travelled with his players to his home country in Japan for an intensive training course, set a target of staying on top of the group to take the only ticket to advance.

In their preparation for the tournament, Viet Nam played Taipei twice in July. They won one and drew one.

On September 18, Viet Nam will play host Myanmar who beat Jordan 2-0 in another match yesterday.

It is said to be a hard game for both sides who have played each other on numerous occasions in regional and SEA Games events.

In their latest meet, Viet Nam won 3-2 in the ASEAN Football Federation Women's Championship on their home turf of Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City on May 2.

The second qualifying round of the 2016 Olympic Games-Asian Zone's Group A sees five participants. Teams will compete in a round-robin event from September 14-22.

The best team will join South Korea, China, and North Korea, in addition to Australia and hosts Japan in the last qualifier, which is scheduled from February 29 to March 9.

Two outstanding squads from this round will book their berths to the Rio de Janeiro Games next summer. — VNS