During the 51st minute of the match at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong, on 12/8, Phomsri and a teammate fell after a challenge with Vietnamese midfielder Tran Thi Hai Linh. The referee paused the game to allow medical staff to attend to the Thai players.

As play was about to resume, Phomsri ran towards the Thai technical area and unexpectedly pulled a small pair of scissors from behind her back, handing them to a member of the coaching staff.

Phomsri (left) hands over the scissors to a member of the Thai team during the ASEAN Cup 2025 Group A match against Vietnam at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong, on 12/8/2025. Screenshot

Phomsri (left) hands over the scissors to a member of the Thai team during the ASEAN Cup 2025 Group A match against Vietnam at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong, on 12/8/2025. Screenshot

This action immediately sparked controversy. Football rules prohibit players from using or carrying objects that could be dangerous to themselves or others, including sharp objects, jewelry, or similar items.

According to VnExpress, the scissors belonged to the Thai medical team and were likely dropped or left on the field after being used to cut Phomsri’s bandage. "I've never seen anything like it. It was strange. And dangerous too," said midfielder Hai Linh.

Entering the final Group A match, both teams had 6 points. Vietnam was in second place due to an inferior goal difference (+13 compared to +14) and needed a win to secure the top spot.

Coach Mai Duc Chung's team dominated the match, opening the scoring in the 36th minute with a volley from defender Tran Thi Thu Thao. Thailand increased their attacking efforts but couldn't break through Vietnam's solid defense.

This victory gave the host nation a perfect record in the group stage, maintaining a clean sheet and finishing top of Group A. It also reinforced Vietnam's position as the leading team in Southeast Asia and extended their impressive run against rivals Thailand.

In recent SEA Games (from 2017 to 2023), Vietnam has won four consecutive gold medals, while Thailand has taken only silver or bronze. In the ASEAN Cup, Vietnam has won four, drawn two, and lost two against Thailand. Both losses were in the semi-finals, in 2007 and 2015.

2025 marks the 13th edition of the women's ASEAN Cup, held in Hai Phong from 6/8 to 19/8. Vietnam's semi-final opponent will be determined by the final Group B matches on 13/8.

Myanmar currently leads Group B with 6 points, followed by the Philippines and U23 Australia with 3 points each. In the final round, the Philippines will play Myanmar, while U23 Australia faces Timor Leste. If both the Philippines and Australia win, the group will have three teams with 6 points, and tiebreakers will be applied: head-to-head results between the three teams, overall goal difference, goals scored, and fair-play points.

Both semi-finals will be played on 16/8.

Duc Dong