Vietnam and Australia will clash at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 16/8, at Lach Tray Stadium. The match will be broadcast on VnExpress.

Australia is competing in the ASEAN Women's Championship with its U23 squad. In addition to their youth, the team is known for its physicality, stamina, and speed.

In their opening Group B match, Australia surprisingly lost 2-1 to Myanmar, struggling with the hot and humid conditions. However, once acclimated, they defeated the defending champions, the Philippines, 1-0 and then routed Timor Leste 9-0 to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Playing at home in Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong gives Vietnam a good opportunity against Australia in the ASEAN Women's Championship semifinal. Photo: Le Tan

Playing at home in Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong gives Vietnam a good opportunity against Australia in the ASEAN Women's Championship semifinal. Photo: Le Tan

The two teams have never met before this semifinal clash in Hai Phong, although the Australia U23 team won the ASEAN Championship in 2008. Coach Joseph Palatsides is approaching the match cautiously. "We will be facing a strong team on their home turf. After a difficult start, our team is improving daily thanks to our spirit and desire to win. Facing Vietnam is a valuable opportunity for our players to gain experience," he said.

Vietnam has won the ASEAN Women's Championship three times in its 13 editions, second only to Thailand with four titles. After winning in 2019, Vietnam lost the title to the Philippines in 2022. Many players from the 2019 winning squad, such as Kim Thanh, Huynh Nhu, Hai Yen, and Tuyet Dung, remain key players in this year's tournament. In fact, 15 of the 23 players on the Vietnamese roster are 30 years old or older.

While this demonstrates the team's experience, it also highlights potential limitations in terms of physical strength. Coach Mai Duc Chung has rotated his players throughout the three group stage matches to ensure they are in peak condition for the semifinal.

"We have prepared thoroughly for this match and will give it our all," Chung said. "I think the two teams are evenly matched in terms of skill, but Australia is younger, stronger, and adapts quickly. Vietnam has the advantage of an extra day of rest and will make the most of home advantage to compete for a place in the final."

Midfielder Hai Linh (10) had a standout performance in Vietnam's 1-0 victory over Thailand in the group stage on 12/8. Photo: Le Tan

Midfielder Hai Linh (10) had a standout performance in Vietnam's 1-0 victory over Thailand in the group stage on 12/8. Photo: Le Tan

With Duong Thi Van recently recovered from injury, coach Mai Duc Chung may choose to start her on the bench and deploy the central midfield pairing of Luong Thi Thu Thuong and Nguyen Hai Linh to control the game. The trio of central defenders, Chuong Thi Kieu, Tran Thi Thu, and Le Thi Diem My, are expected to have a challenging time dealing with Australia's aerial attacks.

However, Vietnam's smaller, more technical players like Tuyet Dung, Bich Thuy, Huynh Nhu, and Nguyen Thi Van will have opportunities to exploit the taller Australian defenders, who can be somewhat slower to turn.

Projected lineups:

Vietnam: Kim Thanh, Chuong Thi Kieu, Tran Thi Thu, Huynh Nhu, Hai Linh, Thai Thi Thao, Diem My, Tran Thi Duyen, Thu Thuong, Nguyen Thi Van, Bich Thuy.

Australia: Lincoln, Grove, Cerne, Tumeth, Cicco, Furphy, Gomez, Chessari, Jancevski, Rasmussen, McKenna.

Duc Dong