* Vietnam - Philippines: 18h30 on 17/12, live on VnExpress.

Vietnam holds the most impressive record in SEA Games women's football history with eight gold medals. The team also set a record by winning four consecutive titles from 2017 until now. With these impressive statistics, Vietnam enters today's final as the favored team in their rematch against the Philippines.

In the group stage of this year's tournament in Thailand, Vietnam suffered a painful loss to the Philippines, conceding the decisive goal in the 90+4 minute. The players still recall that defeat. "The loss on 8/12 was very bitter. We completely dominated but were hit by a fatal blow in the final minutes due to a high ball," goalkeeper Kim Thanh told VnExpress.

However, Vietnam's number one goalkeeper also acknowledged that her teammates were too eager, failing to finish off their opponents in favorable situations during that match. According to Kim Thanh, that painful defeat taught the team many profound lessons, which they aim to apply thoroughly in today's rematch against the Philippines.

"Opponents like them are often very resilient. Therefore, we must adhere to our tactics: playing short passes, small combinations, one-two passes, and direct attacks to find openings. We need to limit attacks from the flanks because high balls put us at a disadvantage," she further analyzed. "We will try our best to defend our championship title."

Midfielder Thai Thi Thao challenges for the ball in Vietnam's 0-1 loss to the Philippines in the 33rd SEA Games group stage. Photo: Duc Dong

Vietnam enters the final with high determination and assured physical condition, having conserved energy by comfortably defeating Indonesia in the semi-finals. All players are ready to reclaim what they lost in the group stage. "We respect our opponents and will seize every small opportunity. The Philippines is strong, but they also have weaknesses to exploit. Therefore, Vietnam will have appropriate tactics to break through their defense," striker Hai Yen said confidently.

While Vietnamese women's football has long been a powerhouse at the SEA Games, the Philippines is making its first appearance in the tournament's final. Consequently, coach Mark Torcaso's team is very excited and enthusiastic. "We respect Vietnam, and we anticipate a very difficult match for both teams. But the Philippines will play for our country, our fans, and to show the world how passionate we are in this match," Torcaso stated.

The Philippines faces a slight disadvantage, having exerted considerable effort against Thailand in the semi-finals, a match that went into extra time and then a penalty shootout. This could be an opportunity for Vietnam to accelerate their attacks from the outset, aiming to disrupt the opponent's defense. If they can overcome themselves, the Vietnamese women will continue to write a triumphant song on Thai soil.

Anticipated lineups:

Vietnam: Kim Thanh, Tran Thi Thu, Hoang Thi Loan, Thai Thi Thao, Diem My, Tran Thi Duyen, Thanh Nha, Van Su, Hai Linh, Bich Thuy, Hai Yen.

Philippines: McDaniel, Long Moriah, Cowart, Pasion, Beard, Sawicki, Eggesvik, Wunsch, Malea Kouise, Pino Alexa, Ramirex.

Duc Dong