On the evening of 16/8, the audience at Lach Tray Stadium (Hai Phong) experienced 90 minutes of high emotion. The Vietnam women's team started the match with great effort but quickly found themselves trailing after goals from Australia's Aideen Keane and Leticia McKenna.

Facing a physically superior opponent, the Vietnam women's team maintained a proactive approach, persistently pursuing and fighting until the final seconds. In the 88th minute, midfielder Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy brought hope with a shot that narrowed the score to 2-1. The remaining time was not enough to change the outcome, but the late goal ignited the stands, reflecting the relentless and never-give-up spirit of the players.

Australian players (in black) had a significant advantage in terms of physique. Photo: Anh Duc

Speaking after the match, coach Mai Duc Chung expressed his gratitude to the enthusiastic fans and affirmed that the team would try harder in the third-place play-off. Midfielder Bich Thuy, who scored the consolation goal and was named player of the match, said the team was sad for not meeting expectations but would regroup to aim for a medal.

Australian player Aideen Keane described reaching the final as a "surreal dream." She expressed respect for the host team and the passionate Vietnamese fans. Meanwhile, McKenna emphasized the importance of family support and advised young female players to keep playing their best to experience such wonderful moments.

On 19/8, the Vietnam women's team will face Thailand in the third-place match at 4:30 PM, before Australia takes on Myanmar in the final at 8:00 PM.

The 2025 ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup is sponsored by MSIG, a Japanese insurance brand. MSIG aims to spread the message of "Protect to Break Through," further empowering women's football in Southeast Asia.

Lan Anh