The ultimate challenge for the Vietnamese women's team, where will the host compete for the championship?

The 13th Southeast Asian Women’s Football Championship is about to take place in Hai Phong and Phu Tho. The Vietnamese women’s team has won the title 3 times, including 2 times as hosts. This year’s tournament, with half of the participating teams being candidates for the championship, is a huge challenge for our girls.

" WESTERNIZED" NO LESS THAN MEN'S FOOTBALL

In recent years, Southeast Asian football has begun a strong naturalization policy to improve the strength of both the men's and women's teams. Although the Thai women's team is in a transitional period, it is built on the trend of increasing physical strength, combined with naturalized players. Realizing the decline in physical condition, Thailand has "imported" many Thai-born players to improve its strength. The Thai team's personnel in Vietnam include midfielder Julie Gronning (currently playing for Wasatch SC Club, USA), dangerous passer Chatchawan Rodthong (23 years old), dynamic midfielder Pluemjai Sontisawat, striker Madison Jade Casteen (NC Courage Academy, USA), experienced striker Taneekarn Dangda (1.74 m tall) or young striker Pattaranan Aupachai (23 years old)...

The Vietnamese women's team has strong personnel at this year's Southeast Asian championship.

PHOTO: NGOC DUONG

Over the years, the Philippine women's team has gathered many players with dual American and Filipino citizenship, and participating in this tournament, more than half of the players are living and playing abroad, especially in the US, such as defender Malea Cecar, Aaliyah Shinaman, midfielder Alesandrea, Isabella Alamo, strikers Nina Mathelus, Chanler Mcdaniel...

And of course, the most formidable is the Australian women's team - an opponent no different from the European team, even though they only sent U.23 players to the tournament. Remember, with a similar young squad, Australia won this tournament in 2008. This year, coach Joe Paladsides even strengthened some key players currently playing for the national team such as Bryleeh Henry, Isabel Gomez or Chloe Lincoln. Australia is considered a tough obstacle to the championship ambitions of the Vietnamese, Philippine or Thai teams.

Vietnam women's team CAN STILL WIN

In the history of this tournament, there have been 6 teams that have won the championship. Thailand leads with 4 times, Vietnam 3 times, Myanmar 2 times, Australia and the Philippines 1 time each. We have hosted 5 times in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2015 (Vietnam won in 2006 and 2012). The third championship, Vietnam won glory in Thailand in 2019.

Vietnam women's team (red shirt) will play Cambodia again on August 6.

The Vietnamese women's team is in Group A with Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia competing at Lach Tray ( Hai Phong ). We have determined that the only competitor for the top ticket is Thailand. Compared to ourselves, Thailand is worse off than before because of the generational transition. Although their physique and fitness have improved, due to having too many young players, Coach Futoshi Ikeda's students may not have really experienced fighting spirit. This is the reason why Thailand just lost the ticket to the 2026 Asian Cup Finals, meaning they have no chance to compete for tickets to the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Women's Olympics.

Ticket prices for Group A with the Vietnamese women's team playing at Lach Tray are very cheap, only from 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND.

On the journey to the championship, the Vietnamese women's team must pay attention to the two opponents in Group B, the defending champions Philippines and Australia. The Philippines is no longer the surprise factor like in the previous tournament and is at a disadvantage when it cannot gather all the talent because foreign clubs refuse to release their players. However, the Philippine players have the strength to compete, so Vietnam still has to prepare carefully so that if they have to face them, they will not be at a disadvantage. As analyzed above, the biggest challenge for host Vietnam is the Australian team. Although they do not bring a "genuine" force, ranked 15th in the world , but with a very young squad and the addition of a number of national players, Australia becomes a huge challenge for Vietnam.

Southeast Asian Women's Football Championship live onFPT Play

It is expected that in addition to the key, experienced players in all three lines such as goalkeeper Kim Thanh, defender Chuong Thi Kieu, Nguyen Thi My Anh, midfielder Duong Thi Van, striker Pham Hai Yen, Huynh Nhu, Thanh Nha, young players such as midfielder Ngan Thi Van Su... are unpredictable variables. This time at home, with favorable conditions, Vietnam has the opportunity to be crowned to equal the 4 championships of the Thais. Although it is predicted to face many difficulties, history has proven that under the guidance of experienced coach Mai Duc Chung, the "diamond" girls always have a spirit of steel to become a disciplined, cohesive group. That is the soft power that helps the Vietnamese women's team always overcome difficult moments.

The AFF Women's Championship is broadcast live on FPT Play.

Instructions for buying tickets to watch matches in Group A with Vietnam from the Organizing Committee

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-thach-cuc-dai-cho-doi-tuyen-nu-viet-nam-xem-chu-nha-tranh-vo-dich-o-dau-185250804230954943.htm