Hali Long (No 5) of the Philippines vies for the ball with Việt Nam's Nguyễn Thị Bích Thuỳ (No 15) in their last group round of the SEA Games women’s football event in Cambodia on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photos Hoàng Linh

Thanh Nga

PHNOM PENH — Việt Nam lost to the Philippines 2-1 in their last group round of Tuesday's SEA Games’ women’s football event in Cambodia but advance to the semi-finals regardless.

Việt Nam are level with the Philippines and Malaysia on six points, but go through thanks to their superior goal difference.

The Vietnamese women's team struggled against the Philippines from kick-off and couldn't create any chances. 

In the 11th minute, after a defensive lapse in concentration, goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh was forced into giving away a penalty. Sarina Bolden converted, giving the Philippines the lead.

Star striker and captain Huỳnh Như couldn't make much of a difference and found herself tailed by two Filipino players most of the time.

In the 37th minute, Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Anh almost equalised for Việt Nam.

This was the best opportunity for the Vietnamese team from the beginning of the match. Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Bích Thuỳ received the ball from Huỳnh Như and crossed the ball from the right into the penalty area. Mỹ Anh rushed into the penalty area for a one-touch volley, but the ball hit the Filipino goalkeeper.

Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Bích Thuỳ’s joy after scoring for the Vietnamese women's team.

In the 41st minute, it was Mỹ Anh who had a dangerous cross, causing the Philippines’ goalkeeper to parry. Bích Thùy got on the rebound, equalising for Việt Nam.

After the break, the Vietnamese players came out with fresh vigour.

From the pass of Thúy Nga, Huỳnh Như broke the offside trap, but could not finish.

However, in the 53rd minute, Việt Nam almost conceded a goal. Trần Thị Thu Thảo's header was not good and Sabrina Bolden took control of the ball, but she missed her chance.

Việt Nam vs the Philippines in their last group round of Tuesday's SEA Games women’s football event in Cambodia.

After that, midfielder Quinley Campomanes escaped and launched a powerful shot in front of the Vietnamese penalty area, but Thanh beautifully saved it.

In the 83rd minute, the Philippines got a goal from a set piece. They were awarded a free kick on the left wing. The ball was fired into the penalty area, and captain Hali Long leapt high to head it in, making the score 2-1 for the Philippines. VNS