Coach Mai Duc Chung reveals the secret to 'squeezing through the narrow gap' to reach the semi-finals, Myanmar coach apologizes for losing to Vietnam.

Coach Mai Duc Chung affirmed this in the post-match press conference. He did not see the large Myanmar crowd as a pressure; on the contrary, it was a motivation that spurred the Vietnamese women's team to play better.

Coach Mai Duc Chung: "The Vietnamese national team turned pressure into motivation."

Overwhelmed with happiness, coach Mai Duc Chung began his post-match speech: "First of all, on behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank the fans who came to the stadium to support Vietnam. Only about 10 Vietnamese people came to the stadium, but they all cheered wholeheartedly. Thank you to the reporters and media who have been with us in Chonburi over the past few days, supporting and encouraging us. We faced difficulties with only one goal, but we fought back with great determination."

Coach Mai Duc Chung answers

Before this match, we promised the management and fans that we would play with the highest determination. We only had one option: to win, but the whole team played with great focus, determination, and dedication. I would like to thank the entire team for their excellent performance today."

When we entered the stadium, we saw a large crowd of Myanmar fans, but for us, it wasn't anything too daunting because the whole team had previously competed in the passionate atmosphere of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong during the SEA Games 31 and the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, so we weren't too worried or pressured. On the contrary, it motivated us to play better.

Coach Mai Duc Chung and Van Su hold a press conference.

After the painful defeat against the Philippines, we decided to push Van Su forward. The goal for this match was to attack and score goals because Van Su, along with Hai Yen and Bich Thuy, had enough experience. Then I brought Huynh Nhu in, showing that I was making the most of the attacking line's experience to maximize their goal-scoring potential.

As for the defense, I changed the central defensive pairing to Hoàng Thị Loan and Trần Thị Thu because I wanted to take advantage of their previous experience together. In an important match like this, extensive playing experience is crucial in helping the team play more tightly.

Thanh Nha shared her joy with her fans.

PHOTO: KHA HOA

I'm very happy that Van Su and Bich Thuy, two petite players, scored with their heads. Despite being only 1.53m tall, Van Su chose her position well, played very bravely, and had quick reflexes, so she always knew how to utilize this quality. As for Tran Thi Duyen, I kept her for 3 matches because she played bravely and showed great progress. I'm very pleased that Duyen is becoming more mature.

Everything will be answered.

PHOTO: KHA HOA

In the semi-final against Indonesia on December 14th, I know they are improving. Like Malaysia, they are getting better with each game, so we won't be complacent. We will prepare well and focus on this match in the most positive way possible.

The Vietnamese team celebrated after the match.

PHOTO: KHA HOA

Meanwhile, the player chosen as the best player of the match, Ngan Thi Van Su, said: "Entering the match, I felt a little pressure because I had to win. But I listened to the coaching staff's advice to be strong, calm, confident, and determined, so I feel very happy that I and the whole team were able to do it."

When asked if she was surprised by the header, the petite girl said: "I always want to charge forward to score goals. For me, every goal is equally valuable. This isn't the first time I've scored with my head. I choose my position and when I have the opportunity, I score."

The two teacher and student, Mai Duc Chung and Ngan Thi Van Su.

PHOTO: KHA HOA

Myanmar coach apologizes to fans back home.

Unlike the overwhelming joy of the Vietnamese team, Myanmar's coach Tetsuro Uki began his speech with numerous apologies. "I sincerely apologize to the Myanmar fans for the poor result. We tried our best, but Vietnam was stronger. They played well, while Myanmar didn't play well today."

Coach Tatsaro Uki is saddened by Myanmar's elimination.

PHOTO: KHA HOA

"Perhaps our players were under pressure. The fans' enthusiasm is a morale booster, but my girls are young, and some were overwhelmed because they had never played in such a passionate atmosphere before. I sincerely apologize for not preparing the team mentally for such a big match," Uki emphasized.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-mai-duc-chung-tiet-lo-bi-quyet-lach-qua-cua-hep-vao-ban-ket-hlv-myanmar-xin-loi-vi-thua-viet-nam-18525121118542154.htm