Vietnam women’s national team win silver medal at the 33rd SEA Games after a dramatic penalty shootout against the Philippines
On the evening of December 17, in the women’s football final at the 33rd SEA Games held at Chonburi Stadium, the Vietnam women’s national team were unable to defend their title, losing 5-6 to the Philippines in a penalty shootout after the two sides were tied 0-0 following 90 minutes of regulation time and extra time.
With the ambition of claiming a fifth consecutive SEA Games gold medal and the ninth in their history, head coach Mai Đức Chung’s players took the initiative from the outset and dominated much of the first half. Their vast experience in SEA Games finals enabled the Vietnam women’s national team to control the match well and apply constant pressure in the opposition half.
In the 10th minute, Thanh Nhã delivered a dangerous cross from the left for Vạn Sự to attack, but the striker’s header lacked accuracy. Eleven minutes later, Huỳnh Như had a clear chance inside the penalty area, only to see her effort fly just over the crossbar.
After a spell under pressure, the Philippines women’s team created a notable chance in the 23rd minute when Alessandra delivered a dangerous cross, but Ramirez was unable to get on the end of it. A highly controversial turning point came in the 29th minute, when Vạn Sự’s cross was headed into the net by Bích Thùy, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside by the assistant referee. Television replays later showed the goal to be clearly legitimate. The decision appeared to affect the Vietnamese players psychologically for the remainder of the first half.
In the second half, the Vietnam women’s team quickly regained their composure and continued to apply pressure. Thanh Nhã, Bích Thùy and Hải Yến all had chances to score, but none were able to beat the outstanding performance of goalkeeper McDaniel Davies. At the other end, the Philippines surged forward in the latter stages of the half, forcing goalkeeper Kim Thanh to make several crucial saves, including an excellent stop from a dangerous direct free kick. In the final minute of stoppage time, Vietnam were spared when Jael Marie’s header narrowly missed the target.
Both teams approached extra time with great caution. Despite creating a number of notable chances, neither side could capitalize, sending the final to a penalty shootout. In the sixth round, Trần Thị Thu failed to convert, while the Philippines players held their nerve, sealing a 6-5 victory in the shootout.
Defeated in the penalty shootout, the Vietnam women’s national team concluded the 33rd SEA Games with a silver medal. Although they were unable to extend their championship streak, head coach Mai Đức Chung’s players left a strong impression with their courageous spirit and composure, reaching the SEA Games final for the fifth consecutive time.
In the bronze-medal match, the Thailand women’s team defeated Indonesia 2-0. Goals from Pitsamai Sornsai and Pattaranan Aupachai helped the hosts finish the tournament with the bronze medal.
