Women's World Cup holder Japan blew away Vietnam 4-0 Friday at the Women's Asian Cup, a qualifying competition for next year's Women's World Cup in Canada.
Japan went atop Group A with four points followed by defending champion Australia in second to move a step closer to qualifying for next year's World Cup.
Nahomi Kawasumi scored a brace and Nanase Kiryu and Yuki Ogimi both headed in goals after the break at the competition at Thong Nhat Stadium.
Nadeshiko Japan had failed to capitalize on several chances, despite having the lion's share of shots on goal.
But Kawasumi came through with less than a minute left in first-half regulation with a fabulous middle shot and Kiryu found the net with a header.
Veteran Ogimi headed in the third goal and Kawasumi scored on a cross outside the area from striker Megumi Takase that deflected off the foot of forward Yuika Sugasawa.
