* Vietnam – Thailand: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday 12/8, on VnExpress

After the first two rounds, both Vietnam and Thailand have secured their places in the semi-finals with two victories and clean sheets against Cambodia and Indonesia. However, the hosts currently sit second in the group with 13 goals, one less than Thailand.

Coach Mai Duc Chung's team must win to claim the top spot. In their last five encounters, Vietnam holds a clear advantage, winning 1-0 in a 2019 friendly, drawing 1-1 in the group stage before a 1-0 victory in the 30th SEA Games final. Vietnam then triumphed 2-0 in the 2022 Women's Asian Cup play-offs for a spot in the 2023 World Cup, and most recently, defeated Thailand 1-0 in the 2022 SEA Games final.

Vietnam defeated Thailand 2-0 in the 2022 Women's Asian Cup play-off to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup, at DY Patil Stadium, India on 2/2/2022. Photo: AFC

Vietnam defeated Thailand 2-0 in the 2022 Women's Asian Cup play-off to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup, at DY Patil Stadium, India on 2/2/2022. Photo: AFC

Specifically in the ASEAN Women's Cup, Vietnam has four wins, two draws, and two losses against Thailand. In the group stage, Vietnam drew 0-0 with Thailand in 2004 and 2013, won 3-2 in 2006 and 2-0 in 2016. They lost in the semi-finals of 2007 and 2015 but emerged victorious in the 2008 semi-final and the 2019 final.

Vietnam is considered the favorite going into tonight's match. "In terms of gameplay, Vietnam is slightly better than Thailand," said Cambodia's coach Koji Gyotoku after the second round of matches on 9/8.

However, the hosts' challenge lies in finishing. The Vietnamese women have taken 73 shots so far, with a 45% accuracy rate and a 17.8% conversion rate. Thailand's corresponding figures are 60 shots, 45% accuracy, and a 23.3% conversion rate.

In their 7-0 win against Indonesia three days ago, Vietnam squandered at least four clear chances early in the match. This prompted coach Mai Duc Chung to express his disappointment, stating that Vietnam should have won by at least 10-0 and would then be leading the group.

Three key players of the Thai women's national team are Madison Casteen, Kanjanathat Phomsri, and Janista Jinantuya (from left to right). Photo: FAT

Three key players of the Thai women's national team are Madison Casteen, Kanjanathat Phomsri, and Janista Jinantuya (from left to right). Photo: FAT

Thailand is currently led by former Japan women's national team coach Futoshi Ikeda. Their squad consists of mostly U23 players, with only one player aged 29. Notable players after two matches include forwards Kanjanathat Phomsri and Janista Jinantuya, along with two U17 American-born players, Madison Casteen and Julie Gronning.

Thawanrat Promthongmee stated that they are not intimidated by the home team. "We will turn the cheers of the Vietnamese fans into motivation to strive for victory and top the group," the 20-year-old midfielder said before the training session on the afternoon of 11/8.

The Football Association of Thailand's (FAT) ambition to rebuild the women's national team suffered a significant setback after failing to qualify for the 2026 Asian Cup. However, the team still aims to surpass strong regional rivals like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Myanmar this year in the ASEAN Women's Cup and the 33rd SEA Games.

The competition for the top spot is primarily about asserting dominance. Neither team can determine their semi-final opponent as the other group will play their matches later.

In Group B, Myanmar currently leads with six points, followed by the Philippines and U23 Australia with three points each. In the final round, the Philippines will face Myanmar, while U23 Australia will play against Timor Leste. If both the Philippines and Australia win, three teams will be tied on six points, and tiebreakers will be applied: head-to-head results among the three teams, overall goal difference, goals scored, and fair play points.

Hieu Luong