Entering the final group stage match, both Vietnam and Thailand held 6 points. Vietnam sat in second place due to an inferior goal difference (+13 compared to +14), necessitating a win to claim the top spot.
On the evening of 12/8 at Lach Tray Stadium, the home team dominated. The turning point arrived in the 36th minute when Huynh Nhu skillfully dribbled past a Thai defender before delivering a cross from the end line. Defender Tran Thi Thu Thao then connected with a volley, scoring the only goal of the match.
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Coach Mai Duc Chung attends the press conference following Vietnam's 1-0 win against Thailand in the final Group A match of the 2025 ASEAN Women's Cup at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 12/8/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh |
Despite missed opportunities and defensive lapses, Coach Mai Duc Chung refrained from expressing the dissatisfaction he had shown in the previous two matches. "Today, I have nothing to criticize the players for. I only offered reminders on a few individual plays that weren't ideal," he stated in the post-match press conference.
The coach, born in 1949, also addressed the performance of captain Huynh Nhu, the team's all-time leading scorer, who had yet to find the net in the 2025 ASEAN Women's Cup. Coach Chung explained that his decision to keep Nhu in the starting lineup was tactical.
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Captain Huynh Nhu (red jersey) provided the assist in Vietnam's 1-0 victory against Thailand. Photo: Hoang Huynh |
"I positioned Huynh Nhu deeper to allow Bich Thuy, with her speed and power, to play as the central striker," the Vietnam women's national team coach explained. "Despite her age, Nhu continues to demonstrate exceptional experience and playmaking ability."
The Vietnamese defense held firm, preventing Thailand from replicating the attacking prowess they displayed against Cambodia and Indonesia. However, injuries have depleted the home team's squad. Midfielder Duong Thi Van suffered a knee ligament injury, ruling her out for the remainder of the tournament. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha is dealing with a similar issue and is not yet at full strength, while Ngan Thi Van Su is nursing a thigh strain.
Thailand's coach, Futoshi Ikeda, acknowledged Vietnam as the current top team and believes the loss at Lach Tray provided his team with valuable lessons. He highlighted the danger of Vietnam's wing play and their constant search for openings. "I hope to meet Vietnam again in the final," the Japanese coach remarked.
In the semi-finals, Vietnam will face the second-placed team from Group B, while Thailand will play the group winner. The matchups will be determined after the matches on the evening of 13/8.
Group B is currently led by Myanmar with 6 points. The Philippines and U23 Australia trail with 3 points each. In the final round of matches, the Philippines will face Myanmar, while U23 Australia will play against Timor Leste. If both the Philippines and Australia win, the group will have three teams tied on 6 points, requiring tiebreakers: head-to-head results between the three teams, overall goal difference, total goals scored, and fair play points.
Hieu Luong
