Vietnamese women are more appreciated, but still need to be cautious when meeting the host team with great progress recently, in the semi-finals of the 32nd SEA Games today.
*Cambodia – Vietnam: 19:12 Friday, May 5, on VnExpress.
Cambodia entered the semi-finals of the SEA Games women's football for the first time. But that feat is expected, because they fall into the lightweight group with Thailand, Laos and Singapore. The host girls in turn overcame Laos 2-0, Singapore 1-0 in the way "weak team wins less than weak team". In the third match against Thailand, despite playing to the death, Cambodia still lost 0-3.
The Cambodian player (blue shirt) stops a Thai pass during the 0-3 loss in the group stage. Photo: Duc Dong
Cambodian women's football has only played at the national team level since 2018. In the last three matches against Vietnam, they all lost, conceded 20 goals and failed to score any.
Despite great progress with Chinese coach Gao Fulin, Cambodia still has many technical limitations. Against weaker teams, they easily control the ball. But when facing a strong opponent, Cambodia only knows how to defend and counter-attack without sharpness. However, the home field advantage, with 30.000 fans relaying, can be a source of encouragement for them to "concrete" the defense and wait for luck to bring the match into the penalty shootout.
After three consecutive matches at 16pm, Vietnam today has an advantage when it comes to playing in the evening on the beautiful grass of the Olympic Stadium. The force is guaranteed and meeting the opponent under the muscle is an opportunity for the players to improve their scoring ability. Strikers like Huynh Nhu, Hai Yen, Tuyet Dung, and Thanh Nha will have many opportunities to bombard the goal. Coach Mai Duc Chung may still launch the strongest squad to try to solve the opponent early, before reducing the pillars to keep the final.
Vietnamese female players celebrate the goal of defeating Myanmar 3-1 in the group stage. Photo: Duc Dong
"Having reached the semi-finals, no team is weak," coach Mai Duc Chung said before the match. “Cambodia has progressed, but they also have some limitations that we can exploit. Vietnam will do its best to win.”
Probable teams
Vietnam: Kim Thanh, Hai Linh, Hoang Thi Loan, Thuy Nga, Duong Thi Van, Thu Thao, My Anh, Tuyet Dung, Thanh Nha, Huynh Nhu, Hai Yen.
Cambodia: Chea Fariya, Samrit Nymol, Sok Li, Soeurn Vipha, Kiet Sivhrong, Keb Tornasamay, Heng Seakleng, Ban Cheavey, Chhiv Salena, Hear Sreylas, Hout Koem Hong.
Vnexpress.net
