Vietnam vs Thailand: Demonstrating Strength (6:30 PM, February 28, TV 360 live broadcast of the Southeast Asian Futsal semifinal)

The 2026 Southeast Asian Women's Futsal Championship semifinal is a fated reunion between the Vietnamese women's futsal team and host Thailand. Despite the opponent's high scoring efficiency, coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang and his squad possess enough confidence to aim for the final and continue their journey to defend the championship title.

At 6:30 PM on February 28 at Terminal 21 Korat Stadium (Nakhon Ratchasima), the Vietnamese women's futsal teamVietnamwill enter the semifinal match against Thailand.

Taking advantage of being the host, Thailand had the match time changed to 6:30 PM instead of the initially scheduled 3:00 PM to accommodate local fans.

Two years ago, at the inaugural tournament in 2024 in the Philippines, Vietnam lost 0-3 to Thailand in the group stage but then dramatically won 2-1 in the final to claim the championship.

That memory undoubtedly remains vivid, especially for the "heroine" Phuong Anh, who scored a brace, even though Thailand's equalizerThailandat that time came from an own goal by Thanh Ngan.

For this reunion, the Thai team has prepared thoroughly. The Thai women's futsal team is demonstrating formidable strength, having defeated Malaysia 8-0 in their opening match, scoring a total of 11 goals in 2 matches without conceding.

Coach Thanatorn Santanaprasit's team played one match less than Vietnam due to having only three teams in their group, thus benefiting from better physical conditioning and recovery time. Furthermore, the match schedule was adjusted to 6:30 PM instead of the original 3:00 PM, providing an additional advantage for the host team.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese women's futsal team has played three group stage matches, scoring 7 goals and conceding 4. These numbers indicate a certain disparity in efficiency, but conversely, being tested through difficult matches, especially after the loss to Australia, has given the players the necessary confidence heading into this major battle.

Coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang is fully aware of the challenge ahead. He previously shared after the victory over Myanmar that the coaching staff always believes in the players' ability to turn the situation around, as long as they perform to their potential. This belief will be a mental pillar for Vietnam as they adapt to the later match time and the pressure from the stands.

One of Vietnam's tactical keys remains the second unit, where almost every attacking move goes through the feet of Thuy Trang. This experienced midfielder has provided 5 assists out of the team's total 7 goals in this year's tournament.

Set-pieces and throw-ins are designed to utilize her vision and technical ability. However, against Thailand, this reliance needs to be shared. The second unit, including Nguyet Vi, Bien Thi Hang, and Thu Xuan, is performing effectively, but the first unit with Phuong Anh and Thanh Ngan must prove their class at the right moment.

Thailand possesses captain Darika, who is an inspiration both technically and spiritually. The hosts have better physicality, organized coordination, and are particularly dangerous in set-piece situations, which is quite similar to Vietnam's style of play. Player Arya Saetien once declared: "We will overcome Vietnam to reach the final."

This match demands maximum concentration, especially from the defense. Goalkeeper Thuy Linh needs to avoid the individual mistakes made during the group stage to become a solid foundation. In attack, the decisiveness of Bien Thi Hang, Thanh Ngan, Nguyet Vi, and the desire and knack of Phuong Anh against Thailand could make the difference.

The semifinal promises to be a balanced match, where home advantage and crowd support lean towards Thailand. But Vietnam has the character, the memory of victory, and the belief that they are capable of making things happen.