Players didn’t follow strategy, says Vietnam head coach after Portugal game

“The players didn’t follow the strategy thoroughly,” said coach Mai Duc Chung after the game in New Zealand. “They thought they could win so they attacked and revealed lots of space for Portugal to exploit.”

According to the 72-year-old, midfielders Thai Thi Thao and Duong Thi Van had been tasked with ball recovery but they went up too high and let the opponent pass through easily, which made him unhappy.

“I was screaming so loud on the sideline, telling them to return to their position, but no use. Perhaps they were trying to play square with the opponent,” he added.

Coach Mai Duc Chung on the sideline of the Women’s World Cup game between Portugal and Vietnam in New Zealand on July 27, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Ngu

Vietnam dropped the defensive style of play they used in their last game against the U.S. and tried to surprise Portugal at the start, but did not succeed.

Their plan backfired when Portugal exploited the area that Vietnam left open and immediately fired off three dangerous chances, one of which turned into a goal in the 7th minute.

The ball was easily delivered inside the box to Telma Encarncao, who tapped it in to open the scoring for Portugal.

After conceding, Vietnam still revealed too much space, especially on the right flank, which let Kika Nazareth finish comfortably and make it 2-0 in the 21st minute.

Chung said the way the team played in the first half was opposite to the tight defensive strategy set by the coaches. He also admitted that if Portugal were more accurate, they could have had a bigger win.

However, Chung also took responsibility for the defeat and said it was a lesson for Vietnam, and they players could now see which level they are actually at.

“The defeats showed that the players still have a lot to improve and learn in the future,” he added.

On the other side, Portugal head coach Francisco Neto was surprised Vietnam decided to attack from the start, but satisfied when his team gained back control to win the game.

“Vietnam surprised us in the first three minutes,” Neto said. “But then we created chances and the goals came.”

Vietnam will play their last game at the 2023 Women’s World Cup against Netherlands on August 1, while Portugal will face defending champions the U.S.