Vietnam vs Thailand: A rivalry renewed

Both the Thai and Vietnamese women's teams failed to reach their minimum goal of making it to the final of the 2025 Southeast Asian Women's Football Championship. In the semifinals, Vietnam lost 1-2 to U23 Australia, while Thailand suffered the same scoreline against Myanmar.

Although neither team wanted to play for third place, any match between Thailand and Vietnam always attracts attention, regardless of the level. A win here would be a consolation prize for either side before leaving the tournament.

Earlier in the group stage, the two teams met and Huỳnh Như, along with her teammates, defeated Thailand 1-0 to secure the top spot in Group A. This is also what coach Mai Đức Chung and his squad are aiming for in this rematch.

Encounters between these teams are rarely short on drama, from SEA Games finals to World Cup qualifiers. This time, both sides enter the pitch with a “nothing to lose” mentality. That factor alone promises a tense battle from the start, as everyone wants to finish the tournament with a medal for their fans.

In this match, Huỳnh Như and her teammates are considered to have a significant edge in terms of experience. With the home advantage, the Vietnamese women's team is also rated higher than Thailand.

This year, Thailand's women's team has fielded a youthful squad, as they are in a “generational transition.” Coach Miyo Okamoto has boldly rejuvenated the lineup, putting faith in young players. Their youth brings energy, enthusiasm, and constant movement to the team. However, the downside is a lack of experience, which has been evident throughout the tournament.

Still, with the relaxed mindset of a third-place match, Thailand's young players are expected to play openly and wholeheartedly. Both teams are under less pressure regarding results, so the game is likely to be an exciting, attacking affair.

Commenting on the rematch with Thailand, coach Mai Đức Chung emphasized that confidence is important but complacency is dangerous. This match is a chance for the players to rise again, proving that Vietnamese women's football still has resilience, steel spirit, and the will to fight for their country. “Confidence is part of it, but we must learn from past mistakes. We’ve pointed out the strengths and weaknesses, and hope to minimize errors this time to keep winning,” said coach Mai Đức Chung.

Lạch Tray Stadium will once again be a “cauldron” of support, boosting the morale of the Vietnamese women. At the pre-match press conference, coach Mai Đức Chung confirmed the team will give their all, not just for the bronze medal, but also to thank their fans.

Though it's only a third-place match, for both Vietnam and Thailand, this is a battle of honor. For Vietnam, it’s a statement of their number one position in Southeast Asia, not easily shaken by defeat. For Thailand, it’s a chance to show they refuse to be sidelined in the regional power struggle.

In the final at 7:30 PM, Myanmar’s women’s team will face U23 Australia to decide the Southeast Asian champions. The two teams met earlier in Group B, where Myanmar pulled off a surprise 2-1 victory.

This time, Myanmar is expected to have a tougher match. U23 Australia has improved with each game, showing their strength by defeating both the defending champions Philippines and hosts Vietnam.

Predicted starting line-ups for both teams
Vietnam: Kim Thanh, Diễm My, Chương Thị Kiều, Thu Hương, Trần Thị Duyên, Thái Thị Thảo, Hải Linh, Vạn Sự, Bích Thuỳ, Huỳnh Như, Hải Yến
Thailand: Homyamyen, Kaewnta, Intaraprasit, Klinklai, Rodthong, Phomsri, Manowang, Sontisawat, Jinantuya, Casteen, Moondong