SEA Games

Vietnamese players eye their ninth SEA Games title on December 17 in Chonburi, Thailand. Photo courtesy of VFF

BANGKOK — Goals have flowed freely for Việt Nam’s women as they head into the SEA Games final brimming with confidence and attacking intent.

Mai Đức Chung’s side have been in red-hot form at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, topping the scoring charts with 14 goals. Hosts Thailand follow with 11 goals while the Philippines have netted nine.

Leading Việt Nam’s goal charge are captain Phạm Hải Yến and midfielder Nguyễn Thị Bích Thuỳ, who have scored four goals each, matching the tally of Thailand forward Jiraporn Mongkoldee. Thái Thị Thảo of Việt Nam and Alexa Pino of the Philippines have also found the net during the tournament.

Việt Nam cruised into the final with a convincing 5-0 win over Indonesia. The Philippines, meanwhile, stunned hosts Thailand, winning 4-2 on penalties after the sides were locked at 1-1 following extra time in Chonburi.

All players will be eager to add to their tallies when Việt Nam face the Philippines in the gold-medal match on December 17, while Thailand meet Indonesia in the third-place play-off.

Striker Phạm Hải Yến (No 12) and midfielder Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy,of Việt Nam are two of three leading scorer after the 33rd SEA Games' semi-finals.  Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Sports Team

Speaking to reporters, coach Mai Đức Chung said he was pleased with his players’ performance after the semi-final, noting that they not only won the match but also kept a clean sheet and avoided injuries.

“In the final match, all teams are strong and on the same level. Whoever we face, we will play with full determination,” Chung said.

“This is the 11th time we will play in a SEA Games final. It is a great honour and a source of pride and we will do our best to to win.”

While Việt Nam have set a record for the number of final appearances, this will mark the Philippines’ first appearance in a SEA Games final. It will also be a rematch between the two sides at this tournament. The Philippines beat Việt Nam 1-0 in the group stage, with Mary Ramirez scoring the winner in the final minute.

Chung said that defeat would serve as strong motivation for his side to be more determined, not only to win the gold medal but also to avenge their loss a week earlier.

In the upcoming match, the Vietnamese team are expected to have a physical advantage over their rivals, who had to play 120 demanding minutes in their semi-final before prevailing in a tense penalty shoot-out.

Chung said this would be an important factor supporting his side in the title-deciding match.

If victorious, Việt Nam would extend their SEA Games title streak to five consecutive championships and break their own record by claiming a ninth gold medal.

For the Philippines, reaching their first SEA Games final is regarded as a landmark achievement. Their previous best results were bronze medals in 1985 and 2021.

Philippines coach Mark Torcaso said he was proud of his players after their emotional journey at the Games, describing the final as a deserved reward for the team’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline. He stressed that his side had not come simply to settle for the runner-up position.

The match will kick off at 7.30pm at Chonburi Stadium and will be broadcast live on VTV and FPT Play.

Chung also expressed hope for continued support from Vietnamese fans, saying that although their numbers in the stands were small, their encouragement and cheers had been a great source of motivation on the team’s path to victory. VNS