Vietnam loses to Australia in Southeast Asian women's futsal championship

Playing a stagnant game, the Vietnamese women's futsal team lost 0-2 to Australia in their opening Group B match at the 2026 Southeast Asian women's futsal championship on the afternoon of 24/2.

Vietnam, the reigning Southeast Asian champion and recent SEA Games 33 gold medalist, boasts a squad that includes both futsal specialists and 11-a-side players such as Tran Thi Thuy Trang, K'Thua (TP HCM), and Bien Thi Hang (Ha Noi). To prepare for the championship, coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang and his team traveled to Japan for training starting from the 29th of the Lunar New Year, foregoing Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations at home, before heading to Thailand for the tournament.

Compared to Vietnam's extensive track record, the Australian women's futsal team is relatively new. Their women's squad was formed only two years ago and is participating in the Southeast Asian championship for the first time to gain experience. However, with superior physique and fitness, the Australians gave Vietnam few opportunities.

Futsal Vietnam lost 0-2 to Australia in their opening Group B match at the 2026 Southeast Asian women's futsal championship on the afternoon of 24/2. Photo: FAT

After the opening whistle, Australia launched an aggressive attack, forcing Vietnamese players to retreat and defend. Despite this pressure, goalkeeper Thuy Linh expertly saved every opportunity Australia created. In the first half, Vietnam had only one clear chance in the 17th minute, but Nguyet Vi's shot went directly to the goalkeeper.

Early in the second half, Vietnam unexpectedly had a chance from an opponent's error, but Phuong Anh's shot hit the post. Shortly after, K'Thua's tap went over the bar.

Missing the chance to take the lead, coach Dinh Hoang's players paid the price in the 23rd minute. From a quick counter-attack, Fruscalzo scored cleanly, beating goalkeeper Thuy Linh to open the scoring for the Australian team.

After conceding, Vietnam pressed for an equalizer but played without direction and lacked sharpness. The team switched to a power-play strategy but still could not create a breakthrough. In the 39th minute, a mistake by Thanh Ngan allowed Nikkita Fazzari to seize the opportunity and score, sealing a 2-0 victory for Australia.

The 2026 Southeast Asian women's futsal championship is being held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from 24/2 to 2/3. Seven national teams are participating: Thailand (world number 8), Vietnam – the defending champion (world number 11), Indonesia (world number 18), Malaysia (world number 21), Myanmar (world number 38), Australia (world number 66), and the Philippines (world number 69).

Vietnam is in Group B alongside Myanmar, the Philippines, and Australia. Group A comprises hosts Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Tomorrow, 25/2, Vietnam will face Myanmar at 1:30 p.m.