*Goals: Hai Yen 4' & 26', Bich Thuy 23', Hai Linh 32', Thai Thi Thao 49', 59' & 78'.

In their first encounter since a 3-0 victory at SEA Games 32, Vietnam completely dominated the match, giving Malaysia almost no chances to threaten goalkeeper Khong Thi Hang's goal. In the first half, Hai Yen scored two goals, alongside goals from Bich Thuy and Hai Linh, helping the defending champions take a 4-0 lead. Despite substituting key striker Hai Yen in the second half, Vietnam continued to create many opportunities, with midfielder Thai Thi Thao completing a hat-trick.

Coach Mai Duc Chung giving instructions during Vietnam's 7-0 win over Malaysia at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand, on the evening of 5/12. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Coach Mai Duc Chung expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, even though he anticipated difficulties due to the opponent's progress. "The opening match of any tournament is always challenging, but I am very pleased that the players overcame psychological pressure and played a good game to secure this win," he stated after the match. "We achieved three objectives from this victory: scoring many goals, avoiding player injuries, and receiving no cards."

In addition to experienced players, Coach Chung also provided opportunities for several young players to enter the field, including Cu Thi Huynh Nhu, Nguyen Thi Hoa, and Ngoc Minh Chuyen. "I arranged a mixed lineup of experienced and young players, hoping the young ones would improve. Overall, the players met expectations," he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's Coach Joel Cornelli admitted that the early goal in the 4th minute caused his team to collapse against Vietnam's superior strength. "We tried to start the match as well as possible. But Vietnam has a distinctly different quality. My players tried to play, to implement their ideas, but the gap between the two teams is too large," he said.

Vietnamese players celebrating a goal at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand, on the evening of 5/12. *Photo: Duc Dong*

The Brazilian coach stated he was impressed with midfielder Bich Thuy, who extended the lead to 2-0. "Today, I saw many excellent players in the Vietnam women's national team lineup. They have a strong fighting spirit. Among them, Bich Thuy impressed me the most. They demonstrated quality play. The Malaysian team will try to reorganize their play to conclude SEA Games 33 with the best possible result."

In the other match, Myanmar defeated the Philippines 1-0. After the first round, Vietnam leads the standings, followed by Myanmar. On 8/12, Coach Chung's team will face the Philippines.

Duc Dong