Before the semi-final match of the 2025 Southeast Asian Women's Football Championship against Australia, coach Mai Duc Chung affirmed that the competition location was not a decisive factor, because at any stadium in Vietnam, the team also received enthusiastic cheers from fans.
"For us, wherever we play in Vietnam is luck. The support of the fans gives the team confidence, no matter where they play in their country, he said when asked about the advantage of Lach Tray Stadium.
The experienced coach said that the whole team is in a high-enthusiasm and determination. He said: "The Vietnamese women's team is excited to prepare for the match. The two teams have equal strength, Australia is very young and is well prepared for the national team level. We hope to play well for the upcoming match. Hopefully, fans will come to the stadium to support the Vietnam women's team".
Commenting on the advantage of more days off than the opponent, coach Mai Duc Chung said that this is not necessarily a clear advantage: "We have the advantage of 1 day off, while the opposing team has to move from Phu Tho to here, but that is theoretical advantage. Australia is young, healthy and quickly adapts. The defeat against Myanmar was unfortunate, but they played well after that. We will face a tough opponent but the whole team has been well prepared.
When asked about the match schedule coinciding with V.League, he replied: "We know the V.League match schedule, Hai Phong plays in Nam Dinh, people are worried that there will be few spectators coming to the stadium, but for me that is not a problem. Many fans from other provinces will come here to support. That will give us confidence. Hopefully the audience will come as many to support the whole team.
On the players' side, captain Huynh Nhu also expressed his determination: "The semi-final is over, so the spirit is very comfortable and confident, there are familiar fans in the stands, that is a great source of motivation. As for whether I score or not, I will also try my best to bring the best results for the Vietnam women's team."
The match between the Vietnamese and Australian women's teams will take place at 8:00 p.m. on August 16 at Lach Tray Stadium (Hai Phong province).
