Vietnam national team and the cruel goal in stoppage time

The 0-1 defeat to the Philippines on the evening of December 8 was a regrettable and painful outcome for the Vietnam women's national team. Not only because the goal was conceded in the 4th minute of stoppage time but also because it was the third straight loss to an opponent who had lost many key players atSEA Games 33.

Coach Mai Đức Chung prepared cautiously, fielding an unusual three-center-back formation with Diễm My, Hải Linh, and Kim Yên to reinforce the defense against an opponent with many physically superior players. In the first half, this strategy worked well as Vietnam controlled the tempo and created several notable chances. Bích Thùy, Thanh Nhã, and Thái Thị Thảo all demonstrated proactivity with long-range shots or breakthrough moves.

Substituting Huỳnh Như in at the 40th minute showed the coaching staff’s desire to increase the pace before halftime. However, the veteran Vietnamese striker found little space as the Philippines tightened the midfield and used physical challenges forcing Vietnam to drop back or make hurried decisions. Still, Thanh Nhã’s energy on the right wing and Minh Chuyên’s speed, who entered around the last 20 minutes and caused disruption with her ability to maneuver and create chances, were bright spots.

Vietnam’s most dangerous chances came from Bích Thùy’s dynamism, especially when she got past goalkeeper McDaniel but was blocked by a diving Philippines defender on the final shot. Conversely, the Philippines frequently threatened with their aerial strength. Moriah Long’s headers and high crosses repeatedly unsettled Vietnam’s defense. Nevertheless, Kim Thanh maintained the necessary focus for the majority of the game.

The tense battle continued until the latter half of the second half. When Vietnam was unable to penetrate through the center and lacked efficiency in shots from outside the penalty area, the Philippines began to press forward with a "nothing to lose" mindset. In the final minutes, although Vietnamese players still played aggressively, their impatience led to rushed shots.