SEA Games: Host Vietnam crowned women’s football champion

QUANG NINH — Just a few months ago, after the historic campaign that saw Vietnam’s women qualify for their first-ever World Cup, head coach Mai Duc Chung announced his retirement at the end of this year.

On Saturday at Cam Pha Stadium, Chung celebrated like a young man after his women made the nation proud with their seventh SEA Games title, a record.

The head coach position has yet to be decided, but Chung’s legacy, which was decorated by this 1-0 win against Thailand in the 31st SEA Games final, will stay forever in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

Defying fan expectations of a cautious final, Vietnam bamboozled the visitor with rapid attacks.

When the clock only showed one minute and 30 seconds of playing time, the hosts introduced themselves with Nguyen Thi Van beating two taller Thai defenders to fire a stunning header towards goal that was only just saved by the tip of goalie Waraporn’s fingers.

Five minutes later, from a cross on the right, the ball found captain Huynh Nhu, surrounded by the Thais, to try her luck with a skillful volley that was again stopped by the on-form Waraporn.

Việt Nam really showed commitment in dealing with their opponents right from the off, with chance after chance in all positions from headers to long-range efforts.

Thailand certainly didn’t prepare for such an overwhelming attack, but as five-time champions of the tournament themselves, their mentality helped them survive the attacking waves and they defended solidly while offering dangerous counter-attacks.

The first half ended goalless, a relief for Miyo Okamoto’s team.

With better gameplay and a crowd of more than 16,000 fans on their side, Vietnam repeated their dominance in the second half. Only this time, Mai Đức Chung’s women were able to finish.

The goal came in the 60th minute after an outstanding display from Duong Thi Van, whose tackle near the center spot broke the Thai attack to open up a golden counter-attack for Vietnam.

From Van’s foot, a brilliant long pass was created, defeating the entire Thai defense and finding Huynh Nhu, who got there ahead of the onrushing Waraporn.

With only the goalie to beat, Như’s sensational touch helped the number 9 to catch a small break off Waraporn before she rolled it into the empty net.

After the goal, Mai Đức Chung changed tactics with substitutions to bolster his defense, while the Thais pushed their players higher up, seeking the equalizer.

The last minutes of the match showed why Vietnam deserved the crown as the women in red were excellent in both attack and defense, preventing every single Thai effort.

Finally, the whistle blew, the crowd in the Cam Pha Stadium exploded and the hosts broke down in tears of joy.

“Coach Chung encouraged us to stay together and try better in the second half. For us, unity is vital to winning such an important match. And he really motivated us,” captain Huynh Nhu said after the match.

“Winning at home is so special. It made us feel more determined to win this match as a gift for the fans who loved and supported us until today. I would like to thank everyone for such a fantastic game, especially my team and the fans who supported us here and at home.

“I also wish all the best to the men’s team in the final against Thailand tomorrow.”

In the earlier third-place match, the Philippines made a great comeback to surpass Myanmar and secure the bronze medal.

Leaving Vietnam with their heads held high with a batch of young talented players who have gained experience playing abroad, the future looks promising for Alen Stajcic’s women.

With this result, Vietnam retained their dominance in the region’s biggest sports competition, having now won seven finals.

The men’s final between Vietnam and Thailand will take place on May 22 at the My Dinh Stadium.

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TAGS: Hanoi SEA Games, Vietnam