"We lost regrettably. A draw would have been more deserved," Chung stated after the match at Chonburi stadium on 8/12. He added, "However, the referee made some unfair decisions. For example, a cross hit a Philippines player's hand in the penalty area, but it was ignored. I do not want to blame the referee; when the team fails, I take full responsibility."

Coach Mai Duc Chung reacts when the referee did not award Vietnam a penalty in the 90+2nd minute, after Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha's cross hit a Philippines player's hand in the penalty area. *Photo: Duc Dong*

In this match, Vietnam played proactively, creating many dangerous opportunities but failing to convert any. The defending champions then paid a heavy price. In the 90+4th minute, from a free kick at midfield, goalkeeper Davies passed into the penalty area. Captain Moriah then crossed to Alexandrea, who headed it from close range. Goalkeeper Kim Thanh dived and parried, but Ramirez Mary Louise rushed in and scored with a one-touch volley.

According to coach Mai Duc Chung, the opponent did not have any significant coordinated plays, only exploiting high balls. He believes a reason for the defeat was the players' failure to adhere to tactics. "Before the match, I held a tactical meeting and instructed them not to play high balls, only low passes, small combinations, and triangle passes. But on the field, they played incorrectly tactically; in favorable situations, they crossed high balls, which was ineffective."

Elaborating on tactics, Chung said he had arranged a three-center-back defense to block all high balls from the Philippines, who possess an advantage in physique and stamina, targeting Kim Thanh's goal. He noted that the selected players performed well, and some substitutes played adequately. "The forward line or some other positions did not play very well," Chung emphasized.

Currently, Vietnam also has three points, similar to the Philippines and Myanmar. In the final match, the team must battle Myanmar, a formidable opponent who defeated the Philippines 2-1 in the first match. Coach Mai Duc Chung stated, "We have a goal difference advantage, but we must win against Myanmar."

Duc Dong