Difference in strength, Vietnam suffers defeat in opening match

(Football results) - The Vietnam women's futsal team began Group B at the 2026 Southeast Asia Championship with a 0-2 defeat against Australia, with an error during power-play leading to a heavy price for the home side.

The Vietnam women's futsal team kicked off Group B of the 2026 Southeast Asian Women's Futsal Championship with a 0-2 loss to Australia, in a match held at 13:30 on February 24 at Terminal 2 Korat Indoor Stadium (Thailand).

Right after the whistle, both teams played with determination and exchanged continuous attacks. At the 2nd minute, Nikkita Fazzari had a dangerous shot forcing Thùy Linh to focus. At minute 9, Fazzari unleashed a powerful long-range shot that hit the Vietnamese goalpost.

Coach Vietnam's players responded strongly. At the 13th minute, Vũ Thị Hoa fired a powerful shot from a quick counterattack but missed the post. Biện Thị Hằng then took a dangerous shot from a throw-in situation, but the Australian goalkeeper was solid. At minute 19, Fazzari tested Thùy Linh again but failed. The first half ended 0-0.

In the second half, the match remained tight. At minute 23, Ngọc Hân assisted K’Thủa but number 11 missed the shot. Just a minute later, Australia punished a defensive mistake from a throw-in and Fruscalzo scored the opening goal.

At minute 28, Anne Holder's free kick hit the crossbar of Thùy Linh’s goal. Vietnam pushed forward, playing power-play near the end. However, at minute 39, a mistake during this tactic caused a turnover, allowing Fazzari to easily score the second goal, sealing Australia's 2-0 victory.

The defeat shows that the Vietnam women's futsal team needs to improve their opportunity conversion and accuracy in crucial moments.

Full time: Vietnam women's futsal 0-2 Australia

39' GOAL!!!

The Australian women's futsal team scored the opener following a mistake by Vietnam during power-play. Taking advantage, number 2 Fazzari finished precisely to put the visitors ahead.

37' Missed chance

The Vietnamese girls played power play and from a dangerous attacking move, Nguyệt Vy took a shot but failed to beat the Australian goalkeeper.

31' Off target

Ngọc Hân shot from distance with a tricky ball but could not outsmart the Australian keeper.

28' Ball hits crossbar

Anne Holder executed a very powerful free kick, the ball followed a difficult trajectory and hit the crossbar of Thùy Linh’s goal.

24' GOAL!!!
From a throw-in, the Australian girls took advantage successfully and Fruscalzo scored against Vietnam’s national team.

23' Missed shot

Ngọc Hân delivered a cross to set up K'Thủa, but number 11 of Vietnam’s women's futsal team failed to finish.

21' Second half begins

Half-time: Vietnam women's futsal 0-0 Australia

19' Dangerous moment

Nikkita Fazzari fired a very dangerous shot but could not beat Thùy Linh in goal.

17' Missed attempt

Biện Thị Hằng took a highly threatening shot after a sharp throw-in combination, unsettling the Australian defense.

13' Dangerous shot

From a good counterattack, Vũ Thị Hoa launched a powerful shot but the ball went wide of Australia’s goalpost.

9' Threatening

Nikkita Fazzari of Australia unleashed a powerful long-range shot that struck the Vietnamese goalpost, causing a scare for Vietnam’s defense.

5' Off target

Ngọc Hân had a dangerous shot at Australia’s goal from a free kick combination.

4' Intense match

Players from both teams continuously exchanged attacks towards each other’s goals.

2' Danger

Nikkita Fazzari made a threatening shot towards Vietnam’s goalkeeper Thùy Linh.

1' Match starts

Starting lineups of both teams

Where to watch the Vietnam women's futsal vs Australia live?

• Time: 13:30 on February 24, 2026.
• Venue: Terminal 2 Korat Indoor Stadium, Thailand
• Tournament: Group B - 2026 Southeast Asian Women's Futsal Championship.
• Live broadcast: TV360.

Preview of Vietnam women's futsal vs Australia

At noon on February 24, the Vietnam women's futsal team entered their opening match of the 2026 Southeast Asian Women's Futsal Championship against Australia. This match is not only the start of Group B but also a chance for coach Nguyễn Đình Hoàng’s squad to assert their status as reigning regional champions.

This year’s tournament features 7 teams, including notable names like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Although Vietnam is ranked 11th in the world, higher than most regional rivals, recent years have shown the gap is narrowing. Past success does not guarantee absolute advantage, requiring the Vietnamese girls to begin with full concentration.

Australia is a formidable unknown. Established only in 2024 and currently ranked 66th globally, limited technical information makes them unpredictable. Meanwhile, their players’ superior physique and stamina promise many physical challenges and pressure. Playing at midday also increases the physical demands on Vietnam.

A tight schedule of three matches in three days during the group stage requires the coaching staff to rotate players wisely. After Australia, Vietnam will meet the Philippines and Myanmar, so managing energy and avoiding injuries are key to advancing.

The team’s strength lies in thorough preparation. A training camp in Japan and two quality friendlies helped the team learn valuable lessons on defense and transition. Key players like Thanh Ngân, Thu Xuân, and Nguyệt Vi are in good form, ready to make a difference.

Against a physically strong opponent, Vietnam must maximize ball control, quick teamwork, and effective chance conversion. A convincing win would not only secure 3 points but also send a strong message to rivals, especially Thailand, in the race to defend the crown.