The Vietnamese women's team opted for a cautious approach in their match against Australia, with a five-man defense positioned deep, leaving only striker Huỳnh Như upfront. Coach Mai Đức Chung's goal was to focus on solid defense, then utilize the bursts of speed from Bích Thùy, Vạn Sự, Huỳnh Như, Thanh Nhã, etc., to launch counter-attacks.
The Vietnamese women's team (left) faced difficulties against the superior physical strength of the Australian women's team.
Photo: MINH TU
However, faced with the overwhelming physical strength of their opponents, the Vietnamese women's team could not operate smoothly. The goal conceded in the 6th minute clearly showed the difference in stature between the two teams. Aideen Keane bypassed two Vietnamese center-backs and goalkeeper Kim Thanh to head the ball into the net from close range after a cross from the right wing. Kim Thanh rushed out to support her teammate, but even with her outstretched arms, the 31-year-old goalkeeper could not stop the opponent's powerful run. Then, in the 17th minute, Leticia McKenna scored with a long-range shot, in a situation where the Vietnamese women's defense had retreated deep, leaving gaps in the second line.
Bich Thuy scored a goal to reduce the deficit.
Photo: Minh Tú
The Vietnamese women's team wasn't completely outplayed by Australia, as they also had opportunities, one of which came from a clever ball recovery by Van Su, who passed diagonally across the field to Huynh Nhu, who was one-on-one with the opponent's goal in the 20th minute. This play also demonstrated the Vietnamese women's team's tactics: pressing to win possession and then launching quick attacks. However, their inability to maintain possession and coordinate well (rarely did the Vietnamese women's team make more than four consecutive accurate passes in the first half) against Australia's strong pressing and tackling ability left Coach Mai Duc Chung's players completely exhausted.
The women's team expresses their gratitude to the fans.
The Vietnamese women's team is determined to win against Thailand.
The Vietnamese women's team played with more intensity in the second half, especially in one-on-one challenges. Bich Thuy and her teammates fearlessly threw themselves into the fray to gain control of the ball on every inch of the pitch. As a result, the Australian women's team couldn't create many more opportunities, except for crosses from the flanks. Coach Mai Duc Chung constantly urged his players to make runs, switch positions, and expand their formation to find gaps in the Australian defense. The Vietnamese girls' efforts were rewarded with a solo goal by Bich Thuy in the 88th minute. The "diamond girls" gave their all, not giving up until the very last seconds. Although they couldn't find an equalizer, their efforts deserve recognition.
Similar to the 0-4 defeat against the Philippines in the AFF Cup semi-finals three years ago, or the group stage failures of the 2023 World Cup, the physical disparity remains a major problem for the Vietnamese women's national team. Coach Mai Duc Chung's players can control and dominate teams with weaker technical and tactical foundations. However, when facing opponents with good tactics, who are also very fast and strong, the Vietnamese women's team always struggles. Hopefully, in future training camps, the whole team can improve their physical fitness and fighting spirit, and at the same time discover new talents to create a competitive spirit for the key players.
Losing 1-2 to the Australian women's team, the Vietnamese women's team was eliminated in the semi-finals. The team will face Thailand in the third-place match, which will take place at 4:30 PM on August 19th. In the group stage, Vietnam defeated Thailand 1-0 thanks to a goal by Thu Thảo.
The Australian women's team will play the final against Myanmar at 7:30 PM on August 19th. Both matches will take place at the Lach Tray Stadium ( Hai Phong ).
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the match and encouraged the Vietnamese women's football team.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the match at Lach Tray Stadium on the evening of August 16th. Immediately after the final whistle, the Prime Minister went down to the field to encourage the Vietnamese women's national football team. He praised and acknowledged the players' efforts and dedication against a highly-rated opponent. The Prime Minister specifically urged the entire team to take care of their health and continue to focus on preparing well for the third-place match against the Thai women's team at 4 PM on August 19th. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the players would show the utmost determination to bring joy to fans nationwide.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-nu-viet-nam-co-the-ngang-cao-dau-co-hoi-lon-gianh-hcd-tai-dau-thai-lan-185250816230253381.htm
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