A classy victory!

The match helped relieve the pressure.

At the 32nd SEA Games, the Vietnamese women's football team faced considerable psychological pressure after winning the SEA Games gold medal three times in a row. Opponents had thoroughly studied their playing style and were determined to dethrone the defending champions. Myanmar was the first challenge, as they had been quietly training under the guidance of Japanese coach Uki Tetsuro and had just defeated the Philippines in their opening match.

Furthermore, the scorching weather in Cambodia was a real challenge for the Vietnamese "diamond girls," as most of them were approaching 30 years old. However, amidst the sweltering heat of nearly 40 degrees Celsius, Huynh Nhu, Tuyet Dung, Thuy Trang, Bich Thuy, Thai Thi Thao, Kim Thanh, Tran Thi Thu, Hoang Thi Loan… played a top-class game to overcome their opponents.

The Vietnamese women's team secured their second victory at the 32nd SEA Games.

First came a delicate goal from Huỳnh Như, returning from Europe, followed by two finishes from Thanh Nhã and Thùy Trang to seal a 3-1 victory. A win that opens the door to the semi-finals.

The subtlety of the 72-year-old general

"The Vietnamese team's victory wasn't solely due to my efforts, but largely thanks to my players. They are courageous women who overcame the difficult weather conditions to achieve this win. They truly deserve praise, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them," Coach Mai Duc Chung said as he entered the press conference room after the match.

Coach Mai Duc Chung was right, because the Vietnamese girls played with all their spirit and strength. But it wasn't enough, because this victory also bore the mark of a diligent coach who is now over 72 years old.

Particularly noteworthy was the tactical impact in the latter half of the second half when he brought on Thanh Nha and Thuy Trang to put pressure on Myanmar's midfield. Nha and Trang were instructed to exploit the right flank where Myanmar's defender, Phyu Phyu Win, showed signs of fatigue. This substitution was crucial to the match's outcome. Thanh Nha's speed caused goalkeeper Myo Mya Mya Nyein to fumble the ball, and Nha, quick as a squirrel, scored to make it 2-1. Thuy Trang also scored the third goal, drifting to the right flank and curling a shot into the far corner of the net. Trang is 35 years old, an age where even male players struggle to perform well, but she continues to dedicate herself to the Vietnamese women's national team. Coach Mai Duc Chung himself persuaded Trang to continue playing for the team and used her effectively to maximize her performance.

Myanmar's head coach, Uki Tetsuro, expressed his admiration for the Vietnamese women's team: "We tried to play the best game possible, tried to implement a defensive counter-attacking strategy, and strived to control the ball to avoid losing possession, but the Vietnamese team played better. The Vietnamese players all played well, not just one individual. The Vietnamese team also has a veteran coach who understands the players and opponents in Southeast Asia very well, so Vietnam is always the number one contender for the championship."

In the late match of Group A last night, the Philippines defeated Malaysia 1-0.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-thang-dang-cap-185230506122240052.htm