Despite dominating the game with a flurry of chances, Việt Nam failed to capitalise and was met with a last-minute retaliation by the Philippines. —  VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

 Anh Đức

CHONBURI — The Việt Nam women's national team could not achieve early qualification into the semifinals of the 33rd SEA Games women's football tournament, after a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Philippines on Monday.

The reigning and four-time SEA Games gold medalist dominated the match and could even claim victory, but a stoppage time goal from Mary Ramirez snatched away the three points and lit up hope for the reigning ASEAN Women's Champions, who lost their first match 1-2 to Myanmar in similar fashion.

Việt Nam's veteran keeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh returns to the starting line up after an injury, while Việt Nam opted to start centre-forward Trúc Hương in place of captain Huỳnh Như.

Mai Đức Chung's team sought to finish the match early before the stamina advantage kick in for Philippines. The idea was almost realised in the third minute, as Nguyễn Thị Bích Thuỳ's long-range shot was blocked by Olivia McDaniel. 

The Golden Star Women Warriors almost punished a clumsy defensive mistake by their opponent in the 11th minute, with Bích Thuỳ having only an empty net, but McDaniel returns just in time to deny the winger's curled effort.

Philippines' 28-year-old keeper, who was born in California and even had a stint in Brazil's Santos Women, is perhaps the player of the match, making crucial saves that denied efforts from Vietnamese attackers in the first half.

Việt Nam again pushed the tempo higher in the second half. In the 48th minute, a great team play concluded with a powerful shot from Bích Thuỳ on the left wing. McDaniel was defeated but the ball went milimetres wide of the mark.

Another golden chance came just seven minutes later, and it's Bích Thuỳ again who was unfortunate. Huỳnh Như's shot from outside the box rebounded off a Philippines defender, and found Bích Thuỳ with only McDaniel to beat. Việt Nam's No.23 skillfully pranced past the keeper, but McDaniel's teammates returned in the nick of time to clear the ball away.

As the match progressed through the end, both teams slow down play, especially Philippines, knowing a defeat here would be detrimental to qualification hopes. Việt Nam however, still sought a win and qualification, was always ready on a counter.

The drama began in the second minute of added time as Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã's cross hit Sofia Harrison Wunsch's arm, which prompted the Vietnamese to shout in protest. As the tournament does not have VAR however, the protests were waived away. Replays also showed that it's an ambiguous situation, as Wunsch's arm made her body bigger, but the ball bounced off an area near her shoulder.

Just two minutes later, Philippines had a free kick from near the centre circle. McDaniel punted the ball towards the box, which was connected by Hali Long's header. The ball found its way towards Alessandrea Carpio, whose shot was parried away by Kim Thanh. The rebound found its way towards Mary Ramirez, who tapped in the empty net and completed Philippines' Hail Mary play.

The last-minute defeat stings for Việt Nam, as they face regional rival Myanmar in a deciding match where they must win to continue their title defence journey. Philippines, however, only need a win against bottom-ranked Malaysia to advance. — VNS