Forward Huynh Nhu, 33, competes with a young Thai player in the ASEAN Cup third-place match at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 19/8. Photo: Le Tan

The 2025 ASEAN Women's Cup concluded with Australia's U23 team taking the title and Myanmar as runners-up, while Southeast Asian powerhouses Thailand and Vietnam battled for bronze. What are your thoughts on these results?

Australia's U23 victory accurately reflects the current state of women's soccer in Southeast Asia. Even without their strongest squad, the team from Oceania dominated the tournament. Their initial loss to Myanmar could be considered a fluke, perhaps due to acclimatizing to the weather and playing style. Afterward, they were unstoppable, cruising to the championship with superior strength.

Myanmar's appearance in the final was somewhat surprising but well-deserved. Their squad blended young players with experienced veterans. This achievement is a significant boost for Myanmar's soccer as they transition to a new generation of players.

Thailand fielded an under-23 team, rebuilding after their senior team failed to qualify for the Asian Cup. For them, the ASEAN Cup was primarily a development tournament. They will undoubtedly add experienced players for the SEA Games on home soil later this year, presenting a much stronger side.

The Philippines' group stage exit surprised many, but not me. This tournament fell outside FIFA Days, preventing them from assembling their best squad, which includes numerous overseas players. With their full complement of overseas talent, they are a force to be reckoned with in the region.

Vietnam made headlines by defeating Thailand twice in the tournament. What are your thoughts on this achievement?

While impressive, these victories can't mask the fact that Vietnamese women's soccer is declining. Fifteen players on the tournament roster were over 30, many of whom were part of the team that won 4 consecutive SEA Games gold medals a decade ago.

Our player pool is shallow. With only 5 or 6 localities developing talent, the national team lacks a consistent supply of new players. The same group of athletes competes in every tournament.

This isn't to diminish the bronze medal achievement. The Vietnam Football Federation should commend and encourage the players, especially those nearing the end of their careers.

Coach Mai Duc Chung considered the semifinal loss to Australia a fluke, rather than a tactical or personnel issue. What's your perspective on this?

As mentioned, Australia was exceptionally strong, making Vietnam's loss understandable. However, we may have expended too much energy against Thailand in the group stage. Securing first place was unnecessary, especially without knowing our opponent from Group B. Beating Thailand provided a fleeting thrill but depleted our energy unnecessarily.

Eight of our starting players in the semifinal were older, making it difficult to compete against a physically superior opponent. While we played well in the second half, we were already down 0-2 and forced to push forward. Conversely, Australia played defensively to conserve energy for the final. The solution lies in integrating younger players, diversifying tactical options, and implementing more effective tournament strategies.

The Vietnam team receives the ASEAN Cup bronze medal on the evening of 19/8 at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong. Photo: Le Tan

Vietnam's U19 and U20 teams have excelled, reaching the Southeast Asian final and qualifying for the U20 Asian Cup. Was Coach Mai Duc Chung too hesitant to utilize these young players in the senior team?

Coach Chung faces the pressure of achieving results. Coaches often prioritize familiar players. He has integrated some younger players like Thanh Nha, Van Su, Truc Huong, My Anh, and Thu Xuan.

However, soccer requires succession planning and the integration of young talent. Players from the U19 team like Hong Yen, Thuy Linh, Thanh Hieu, Hoang Van, and Ngoc Minh Chuyen deserve opportunities with the national team, especially in friendlies or matches against weaker opponents. Playing at the highest level is invaluable for gaining experience and composure.

Management should also encourage local youth development and women's soccer programs. They need to work together to elevate the national championship and create more opportunities for discovering new talent.

Given the current situation, what are Vietnam's chances at the SEA Games later this year?

It depends on the draw and opponents, but reaching the semifinals is feasible.

With this group of players, we can still compete at the regional and continental levels for a few more years. By 2027, when the U20 players mature, with increased squad depth and potentially a foreign coach to introduce new playing styles and philosophies, we could reach greater heights.

For now, we should support and encourage the players to strive for their upcoming short-term goals.

Duc Dong