The most difficult opponent
Prediction about the final match between the two fateful opponents at the SEA Games, the Vietnam Women's Team and Thailand, did not happen. The Philippines - a team that has made remarkable progress in the past 3 years - has participated in the finals of a regional congress for the first time. In fact, experts all consider the Philippines to be a very difficult opponent for the Vietnam Women's Team.
In the last 3 confrontations, Vietnam has lost to the Philippines. First was a 0-4 defeat in the 2022 Southeast Asian finals. Next, in the group stage of the 2023 and 2025 SEA Games, Huynh Nhu and her teammates both lost by 1 goal (1-2 and 0-1). Remember, no team has caused Vietnam to fall continuously like the Philippines.
The wave of naturalized overseas Vietnamese players from the US has helped the Philippines Women's Team raise their level. Even when they lose the game, this national team can still solve it through aerial situations. A 1-0 victory over Vietnam in extra time, in the group stage of women's football not long ago, was a typical example. With just 2 headers and 1 rebound shot, the opposing team put the ball into the Vietnam net.
It is not surprising if the Philippines continues to make full use of that scenario in the match against the Vietnam Women's Team in the final on the evening of December 17. On the scale, the average height of the opponent is also much better than that of Coach Mai Duc Chung's students.
In the past 2 days of training, the Philippines head coach - Mark Torcaso also focused on throw-ins and set-pieces in many different positions on the field. His goal is to get the ball in the penalty area of Vietnam as much as possible.
Measuring courage
The Philippines women's team is the most tough opponent that Vietnam has faced in the past 3-5 years. But this is also an opportunity for coach Mai Duc Chung and his team to end a streak of 3 consecutive losses against the opposing team. In fact, after a 0-1 defeat in the group stage of the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnam Women's Team has made more progress in finishing. Facing Indonesia and Myanmar, Bich Thuy and her teammates finished sharply. Taking advantage of opportunities in the front and in the penalty area was converted into 7 beautiful goals.
In addition to the sharps on the attack line, the Vietnam Women's Team also has players who play harmful wing. Tran Thi Duyen is going through the most impressive tournament in her football career; Hoang Thi Loan, Tran Thi Hai Linh, Ngan Thi Van Su ensure stable performance throughout the matches.
Coach Mai Duc Chung is very satisfied with what his students have shown, after the unfortunate stumble against the Philippines.
In the 2 training sessions preparing for the final, the veteran coach practiced many different areas, from coordinating short balls to the sidelines and taking advantage of the finishing in the middle. The finishing was also focused on to help Bich Thuy, Hai Yen, Thanh Nha and Huynh Nhu become more confident when playing against their opponents.
The 33rd SEA Games women's football final between the Vietnam Women's Team and the Philippines will take place at 7:30 p.m.
on December 17.Expected lineup of the Vietnam women's team: Goalkeeper Kim Thanh, Tran Thi Thu, Hoang Thi Loan, Thai Thi Thao, Diem My, Tran Thi Duyen, Thanh Nha, Hai Linh, Bich Thuy, Hai Yen, Van Su.
