SEA Games 33 Women's Football, Vietnam vs Malaysia: The journey to defend the crown begins (6:30 PM, December 5th, live on VTV5)

Against a less favored opponent like Malaysia, the Vietnam women's team is anticipated to start their defense of the title smoothly atSEA Games 33.

This can be considered a proper warm-up for Coach Mai Đức Chung’s team before facing two tough competitors in Group B, directly contesting the semifinal spots: the Philippines and Myanmar.

However, with some caution, Coach Mai Đức Chung will likely still deploy his strongest squad to claim all 3 points. In goal, he faces a bit of a dilemma as Kim Thanh, Thu Em (Ho Chi Minh City), and Khổng Hằng (Than KSVN) are all in good form. The Than KSVN goalkeeper even earned the "Best Goalkeeper" title at the 2025 National Championship. Yet, Kim Thanh is the most probable pick. The 1993-born goalie always demonstrates superior class whenever given the opportunity.

In defense, for over two years, Coach Mai Đức Chung has commonly used a 5-4-1 system. The two wing-backs tend to push forward to support attacks and drop back to form a solid five-player defense. Familiar names regularly used by the coach include the trio Diễm My, Thu Thương, and Trần Thu. Kim Yên and Hải Linh act as strategic reserves. On the flanks, Ngân Thị Vạn Sự and Trần Thị Duyên are likely starters. This lineup was also applied in the last friendly match in Japan.

In midfield, unless there are changes, the four players Thái Thảo – Thanh Nhã – Bích Thùy – Trúc Hương will be chosen. Nguyễn Thị Trúc Hương will play closest to striker Phạm Thị Hải Yến. Born in 2000, she is at the prime of her career and has excellent dribbling skills. Bích Thùy and Thanh Nhã are known as the team’s "workhorses," able to drift wide or advance as wingers when needed. This pair is always ready to cut inside, dribble, and shoot when chances arise.