Football

Việt Nam's defender Chương Thị Kiều (left) vies for a ball against Filipino forward Isabella Victoria Sola Falnigan during their semi-final match of the AFF Cup. The Philippines won 4-0. Photo of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Coach Mai Đức Chung took full responsibility for Việt Nam's 4-0 loss to the Philippines in the semi-finals of the AFF Women's Cup on July 15 in Manila.

Hali Moriah Candido Long opened the scoring for the host with a perfect header in the 32nd minute.

Captain Tahnai Lauren Rivera Annis converted a penalty for a second goal for her team at the 51st mark after Vietnamese midfielder Hoàng Thị Loan carelessly touched the ball in the box.

Sarina Isabel Calpo Bolden bagged a brace, scoring in the 63rd and 75th minute, ending Việt Nam's hope of a turnaround.

It was a nightmare for Việt Nam as the defending champions and the first time they had ever lost to the Philippines.

"We lost to them in all fields. The Philippines have progressed remarkably compared to recent tournaments. They also received strong home support," Chung said at the post-match briefing.

Việt Nam were at a lower level than the Philippines in defence and attack. While the host made 14 shots, with nine on-target and four being goals, Việt Nam only had six attempts, with two on-target.

While the Filipino defenders blocked all Vietnamese attempts, goalie Trần Thị Kim Thanh had to work hard but failed to keep a clean sheet while her defenders made several mistakes.

"I have nothing to explain the defeat. It's my responsibility," Chung said.

However, the 72-year-old coach said the busy competition schedule strongly affected his players' physique.

The players need three days to recover after each match, but they could only rest for one day here.

He said that given more time they would have played much better.

His opinion was echoed by opposing Alen Stajcic, whose team suffered a 1-0 loss to Thailand in the group round match on July 13. 

He said he had never competed in such a tough tournament, and the matches coming so quickly was torture for the players.

The Philippines will meet Thailand again in the final on July 17, while Việt Nam meet Myanmar in the early match for the bronze medal.

"We have to stand up and practise. We will try our best in the playoff match. At least we have to bring home a bronze," Chung said. VNS