Forward Huynh Nhu vies for the ball with a Thai player during the group stage match of the ASEAN Women's Cup 2025 at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 12/8. Photo: Le Tan

Vietnam and Thailand will face off at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Lach Tray Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on VnExpress.

In the 12 previous tournaments, Thailand holds the record with four titles, while Vietnam has three. However, this year, the landscape has shifted. With the rise of the Philippines, the emergence of Myanmar, and the inclusion of guest team Australia, these two Southeast Asian powerhouses find themselves competing for the bronze medal.

During the group stage, Vietnam defeated Thailand 1-0 thanks to a lone goal by Thu Thao. But the scoreline didn't fully reflect the match. Thailand, at times, played better and created several dangerous opportunities. Coach Mai Duc Chung has cautioned his players against complacency, urging them to be vigilant in Tuesday's rematch at Lach Tray Stadium.

"The group stage victory gives us confidence, but we must learn from our mistakes in previous matches," Chung said. "We have pointed out the strengths and weaknesses to the players and hope that in this match, they will minimize errors to secure another victory."

Because players over 30 years old exerted significant effort in the match against Australia, Vietnam will likely field younger players like Thanh Nha, Tran Thi Duyen, Hai Linh, Van Su, and Bich Thuy to counter the Thai players. Midfielder Duong Thi Van will return to bolster the midfield, while Hai Yen could replace Huynh Nhu as the starting striker to enhance the attacking prowess.

"Not reaching the final is a huge disappointment. But the third-place match is also important. We will try our best and not disappoint the home fans," midfielder Thanh Nha shared.

Thu Thao celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Vietnam against Thailand in the group stage match of the ASEAN Women's Cup 2025 at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 12/8. Photo: Le Tan

Thailand hasn't won the tournament since 2018, finishing second in 2022 after losing to the Philippines. Consequently, they are rebuilding with a majority of players under 23 to reclaim their throne in the future, with the immediate target possibly being the SEA Games at the end of 2025. Therefore, they also value the bronze medal as motivation for their young players.

"We are all disappointed not to reach the final as we had aimed for. But now, we must focus on the third-place match—an equally important game," said midfielder Rinyaphat Moondong. "I believe the rematch against Vietnam will be an exciting one, as both teams have identified each other's weaknesses. We have recovered and studied Vietnam's playing style. We will all give our best and hope for a great finish."

Thai-American forward Maddison Jett Castine also expressed disappointment at Thailand's failure to reach the final and views Tuesday's match as a lifeline. "We know what we need to improve on when playing against Vietnam. We don't want to leave empty-handed. We will try our best to secure third place," Maddison said.

Projected lineups:

Vietnam: Kim Thanh, Chuong Thi Kieu, Tran Thi Thu, Hai Linh, Duong Thi Van, Diem My, Tran Thi Duyen, Thanh Nha, Nguyen Thi Van, Bich Thuy, Hai Yen.

Thailand: Pawarisa, Chatchawan, Sypapron, Natcha, Pluemjai, Rinyaphat, Pichayatida, Kamjanathat, Madison, Klinklai, Janista.

Duc Dong