Vietnam women's team confident at SEA Games 33

Yesterday (December 2), the Vietnamese women's team went to Thailand to participate in the 33rd SEA Games. Although they do not have the strongest squad and are in a difficult group, Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team are still confident in successfully defending the gold medal.

The Vietnamese women's team confidently defended the championship at the 33rd SEA Games - Photo: NK

Believe in yourself

In the last 4 SEA Games, Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team have won gold medals - a SEA Games record. And this time, the 74-year-old coach continues to hope that he and his students can create another milestone in Thailand. "We have confidence in winning at the 33rd SEA Games," Mr. Chung confidently said.

At the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnamese women's team will be without midfielder Chuong Thi Kieu and midfielder Nguyen Thi Van due to injury. This is a big loss, as Chuong Thi Kieu is the team's steel shield, while Nguyen Thi Van helps the team have more attacking options.

Not to mention that the dangerous free kick midfielder Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung has left the team. However, the 10-day training trip and three friendly matches in Japan recently helped the Vietnamese women's team test their personnel and perfect their playing style for the 33rd SEA Games.

In addition to the goals of key players such as Bich Thuy or Thai Thi Thao, 25-year-old midfielder Truc Huong also scored, helping Coach Mai Duc Chung gain more confidence in giving opportunities to other young players. 21-year-old striker Ngoc Minh Chuyen was also selected to participate in the 33rd SEA Games, along with Huynh Nhu and Pham Hai Yen.

Be careful with the Philippines at SEA Games 33

According to the schedule, the Vietnamese women's team in Group B will meet Malaysia (December 5), the Philippines (December 8) and Myanmar (December 11). In which, the Philippines with its naturalized female players and Myanmar with strong progress will be two tough opponents for the Vietnamese women's team in winning tickets to the semi-finals.

Since calling on Filipino players playing in the US or other strong women's football teams in the world to return in 2022, the Philippine women's team has become a formidable force. In the two most recent encounters, the Vietnamese women's team lost to the Philippines 0-4 (in the semi-finals of the 2022 Southeast Asian Women's Championship) and 1-2 (in the group stage of the 32nd SEA Games).

In addition to their excellent skills, the superior physique of the Filipino girls causes more difficulties for the Vietnamese girls.

Meanwhile, Myanmar is showing signs of a comeback. At the 2025 Southeast Asian Women’s Football Championship in Vietnam in August, the Myanmar women’s team excelled in winning the runner-up position after only narrowly losing to the Australian U23 women’s team 0-1 in the final.

Previously, the Myanmar girls beat the Australian U23 women's team 2-1, drew 1-1 with the Philippines in the group stage and defeated Thailand 2-1 in the semi-finals. In preparation for the 33rd SEA Games, the Myanmar women's team also went to Japan for training and had 3 unbeaten friendly matches (2 wins and 1 draw).

Therefore, Coach Mai Duc Chung has to calculate and choose the main opponent to do his best to win. In addition, the Vietnamese women's team must strive to win the group to avoid meeting host Thailand in the semi-finals. Although highly appreciating the Philippines, Mr. Chung still believes that the Vietnamese women's team will complete its goal.

Yesterday (December 2), the Vietnamese women's team arrived in Thailand to prepare to defend their SEA Games championship. After arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Bangkok), Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team traveled to Chonburi - the venue for women's football. The team had their first training session at 6:30 p.m. to prepare for the opening match.

NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tuyen-nu-viet-nam-tu-tin-den-sea-games-33-20251203093356708.htm