Coach Mai Duc Chung: 'When backed into a corner, the Vietnamese women's team's character is most clearly demonstrated'

Coach Mai Duc Chung thanked the entire Vietnamese women's national team for giving their all to secure the victory against Myanmar.

Coach Mai Duc Chung thanked all the players for their efforts - Photo: THANH DINH

On the evening of December 11th, the Vietnamese women's team defeated Myanmar 2-0 in the final match of Group B at the SEA Games 33 women's football tournament. This victory also helped Coach Mai Duc Chung's team advance to the semi-finals as group winners.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, coach Mai Duc Chung couldn't hide his emotion. He began with a heartfelt expression of gratitude: "On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank the players for their dedication and effort today. I also send a special thank you to the fans. Although there were only a little over 10 Vietnamese supporters, they were an invaluable source of moral support."

The veteran coach admitted that the team was backed into a corner before the match: "Our situation was very difficult; there was only one way to win and advance. Before the match, the whole team promised the fans that we would be most determined. And today, with the indomitable spirit of Vietnamese women, we achieved a resounding victory."

Speaking about the pressure of playing under the immense pressure from the packed stands of Myanmar fans, coach Mai Duc Chung said that it was an unexpected "catalyst".

"The enthusiastic atmosphere today didn't put pressure on the players; on the contrary, it became a source of excitement. The female players showed great resilience in overcoming all obstacles to achieve this result," said coach Mai Duc Chung.

From a professional standpoint, he revealed crucial tactical adjustments following the setback against the Philippines. The coaching staff had prepared a plan to push the team forward, playing an aggressive, attacking style instead of passive defense.

The two goals that decided the match – Van Su's header and Bich Thuy's well-placed shot – were confirmed by coach Chung to be the result of meticulously rehearsed tactics.

Vietnam's women's team will face Indonesia in the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33.

The Vietnamese women's national team was awarded 700 million VND.

Immediately after their 2-0 victory against Myanmar, the Vietnamese women's national team received a bonus of 700 million VND from the Vietnam Football Federation. This was a reward for the tireless efforts of coach Mai Duc Chung and his team.

Present at the stadium to watch the match, VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan encouraged, congratulated, and reminded the team to continue to focus intensely on the upcoming semi-final match.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-mai-duc-chung-vao-the-chan-tuong-ban-linh-tuyen-nu-viet-nam-the-hien-ro-nhat-20251211185522437.htm