Tokyo Olympics 2020: Matildas set to play decisive qualifier against Vietnam behind closed doors

The Matildas are on the verge of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics but they will have to play their decisive away tie in Vietnam next week behind closed doors due to the threat of coronavirus.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: during the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Play-Off match between the Australian Matildas and Vietnam at McDonald Jones Stadium on March 06, 2020 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

Vietnam will play the second leg of their Olympics playoff against Australia behind closed doors over concerns of COVID-19.

The game on Wednesday will be held in the Cam Pha stadium in northern Quang Ninh province.

The Matildas are on verge of Tokyo Olympics after thrashing Vietnam 5-0 in the first leg of their playoff at home on Friday.

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Vietnam fans were out in force in Newcastle but they will take a backseat for the home tie.

A statement released by Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) on Friday said the match organiser decided not to open ticket sales to the public “due to the complicated development of COVID-19 outbreak”.

“Spectators should not come to the stadium area... avoid large public gatherings, to ensure effective prevention of the outbreak,” according to the statement.

VFF General Secretary Le Hoai Anh said that “only accredited people can attend the game”.

Vietnam last month suspended all sporting competitions in the country in February in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The Matildas are one step away from Tokyo.

All games in the season-opening round of Vietnam’s top football division V.League 1, which are held from March 6 to 8, will be played behind closed doors.

However, Vietnamese authorities said the country’s inaugural Formula One race would go ahead as scheduled on April 5.

Originally published as Tokyo Olympics 2020: Matildas set to play decisive qualifier against Vietnam behind closed doors