Vietnam suffer big defeat in Women’s AFF Cup semifinals

In the group stage, Vietnam, the title defender, won all four games, scored 18 goals and didn’t concede even once. Before the game, Vietnam haven’t lost against any Southeast Asian team since the Women’s AFF Cup semifinals in 2015. All of those achievements strengthened Vietnam’s confidence when they faced Philippines, the opponent that they defeated two months ago at SEA Games 31.

However, the table turned when the two teams clashed at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

After 30 minutes of probing the opponent, Philippines took over the game thanks to their strength in the midfield and power in other positions. As a result, Vietnam constantly lost the ball. Philippines exploited the left flank many times and one of them turned into a goal when defender Candido Long received a cross and scored from a header in the 33rd minute.

The goal and the support of home fans got Philippines more excited as they continued to threaten Vietnam’s goal.

Vietnam made two substitutions at the end of the first half but that was not enough to get them back into the game.

At the start of the second half, Philippines still controlled the game and created many chances. When the ball hit the hand of Hoang Thi Loan inside the box, Rivera Annis made no mistake on the penalty spot to double the lead for Philippines in the 46th minute.

The next minutes witnessed an explosive performance of Sarina Bolden. She made it three for Philippines in the 63rd minute with a header goal from a corner. Vietnam failed to prevent aerial attacks from the opponent even when they were expecting them.

Nine minutes later, Bolden completed the double and it’s another header goal.

Vietnam players were low on stamina in the remaining minutes and they could barely attack, while Philippines continued to push forward.

The game ended with a thumping 4-0 win for the host.

Vietnam will play the third-place playoff with Myanmar on Sunday and Philippines will face Thailand in the final a few hours later.