Scorers: Duong Thi Van 7', Ngan Thi Van Su 11', Pham Hai Yen 14', Nguyen Thi Van 17', Nguyen Thi Truc Huong 51', Thai Thi Thao 60'.

Vietnam had previously won all three encounters against Cambodia with scores of 4-0, 3-0, and 7-0. However, prior to the match, coach Koji Gyotoku, who had just been transferred from the men's national team 10 days earlier, boldly declared that Cambodia would strive for three points against Vietnam.

But the reality on the Lach Tray Stadium pitch in Hai Phong offered no such glimpse of hope for the Cambodian team. They were completely outmatched, never threatening the Vietnamese goal, and suffered their heaviest defeat of the tournament so far.

Vietnamese women's team celebrates their 6-0 victory over Cambodia in the first round of Group A, 2025 ASEAN Women's Cup, on Tuesday evening, 6/8, at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong, with over 7,000 spectators. Photo: Trung Thu

Vietnam, on the other hand, was determined to reclaim the title after losing it to the Philippines in the previous tournament. Coach Mai Duc Chung's team entered the match with fierce determination. Just 7 minutes in, from Bich Thuy's free kick, the ball rebounded off the crossbar to Duong Thi Van, who headed it in to open the scoring.

In the 11th minute, Ngan Thi Van Su seized a clearance from a Cambodian defender and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty box, doubling the lead to 2-0. Three minutes later, Vietnam was awarded a penalty after a Cambodian player handled the ball. Striker Hai Yen easily deceived the opposing goalkeeper, making it 3-0. This was also the 31-year-old striker's 43rd goal for the national team in 78 matches.

Conceding goals in quick succession, Cambodia's defense crumbled. They resorted to a defensive posture, unable to launch any attacks. Meanwhile, the host team played with increasing fluency. In the 17th minute, Nguyen Thi Van advanced unchallenged to the edge of the box and curled a left-footed shot past the Cambodian goalkeeper, creating a stunning "falling leaf" goal.

Having established a comfortable lead, Vietnam eased off but still created numerous chances. Goalkeeper Kim Thanh had the easiest time in the first half, only touching the ball three times with her feet from passes back by her teammates.

Midfielder Truc Huong (8) vies for the ball with a Cambodian player in the first round of Group A, 2025 ASEAN Women's Cup, on Tuesday evening, 6/8, at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong. Photo: Trung Thu

Vietnam entered the tournament with 23 players, 15 of whom are 30 years old or older. With upcoming matches against Thailand to decide the group winner and considering the semi-finals, coach Mai Duc Chung rested key players from the start of the second half. Goalscorers Hai Yen, Duong Thi Van, and Nguyen Thi Van were substituted by Huynh Nhu, Hai Linh, and Truc Huong, respectively.

The changes did not diminish Vietnam's dominance. The substitutes immediately made their presence felt. In the 51st minute, Truc Huong received a pass from Van Su, skillfully controlled the ball, evaded a Cambodian defender, and fired a low shot to make it 5-0. Captain Huynh Nhu, though yet to score, made her mark in the 60th minute. She broke down the right flank and delivered a cross into the box for Thai Thi Thao, who executed a diving header to extend the lead to 6-0.

In the 63rd minute, midfielder Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha was brought on to replace Bich Thuy. In her return from injury, the "touchline tornado" received a standing ovation from over 7,000 Hai Phong fans. Despite a white bandage on her knee, Thanh Nha played energetically, making several forays into the penalty area, but could not find the net.

Although unable to add to their tally in the remaining minutes, Vietnam showcased their overwhelming superiority with 70% ball possession, 14 shots, and 11 on target.

After the first round, Thailand, with a 7-0 win over Indonesia, topped the group, while Vietnam sits in second place due to an inferior goal difference. In the second round, Thailand will face Cambodia, and Vietnam will play Indonesia.

The 2025 ASEAN Women's Cup is the 13th edition of the tournament, taking place from 6/8 to 19/8. Vietnam is hosting the event at two venues: Lach Tray Stadium in Hai Phong and Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho. Eight teams are divided into two groups, playing a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Thailand currently leads with four titles, won in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2018. Following closely are Vietnam (2006, 2012, and 2019), Australia (2008), Japan (2013), and the Philippines (2022).

Starting Lineups:

Vietnam: Kim Thanh, Thu Thuong, Thai Thi Thao, Chuong Thi Kieu, Diem My, Tran Thi Duyen, Duong Thi Van, Bich Thuy, Nguyen Thi Van, Van Su, Hai Yen

Cambodia: Boravy, Sreyroth, Selena, Sok Li, Sothea, Maysam, Sovanmony, Saody, Sreyleak, Sreybol, Sreilas

Duc Dong