SEA Games

Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung (left) and teammate Chương Thị Kiều ahead of the SEA Games final against on May 15. — Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung is not only determined to win gold at the SEA Games, but the woman’s football star wants to add her name to the scoresheet in the final.

Việt Nam face Myanmar in Cambodia on Monday, after Myanmar came from behind to beat Thailand in the semis 4-2.

After Việt Nam comfortable beat the hosts 4-0 in their semi, Dung is confident ahead of the big game.

"I will try my best to contribute my part defending the title target,” she said.

“It will be our fourth time lifting the trophy in a row if we can make it."

Dung and her teammates were back in training preparing for the match under the watchful eye of coach Mai Đức Chung.

Dung said: "Coach Chung gives us a friendly and comfortable environment to train. He pushes us but encourages all players. I believe that we all have a good preparation for the final. We will play with highest determination.

"In addition to a win for the team, I also want to score a goal in the final."

Thousands of supporters are in Phnom Penh to encourage Vietnamese sport teams including two football squads.

Despite already beating Myanmar in the group stage, Dung knows Việt Nam must stay focused, especially after their opponents great comeback against Thailand.  

"Myanmar's strong point is they are very fit,” she said.

“They can run well for the whole 90 minutes. We need to improve our physical strength."

On May 14, Việt Nam Football Federation President Trần Quốc Tuấn made a visit and praised the team for their success.

Speaking to players, Tuấn said: "Football has been changing all the time. Myanmar in the final will be definitely different from the group game.

"The key point is good preparation in both spirit and tactics. I wish you win to make history by lifting the trophy four times in a row."

Coach Mai Đức Chung appreciated the care and encouragement from VFF leaders plus the strong support from fans.

He said this has made his team work harder to reach their goal.

Meanwhile, team captain Huỳnh Như said although winning the trophy for the fourth time in a row would be a fantastic achievement, the team is hungry for more.

"We all want to be part of history. It is our moment, the moment for Vietnamese women's football," Như said.

"We want to win the fourth time and then fifth and the sixth. But first we must win against Myanmar."

The match between Việt Nam and Myanmar will begin at 7.30pm at the National Olympic Stadium. It will be aired live on VTV, FPT, VTVcab channels and other social networks and YouTube. — VNS