On May 9, 2025, the Vietnam women's futsal team delivered an impressive performance, defeating the Philippines 3-0 in the Asian Women's Futsal Championship. This victory not only showcased their dominance on the court but also secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Prior to facing the Philippines, the team had already achieved a solid start with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Hong Kong (China).
Despite the convincing wins, head coach Nguyễn Đình Hoàng emphasized the need for improvements within the squad. After the match against Hong Kong, he remarked, "Today’s game was really tough for us. As you know, the first match is always a challenge. I and the coaching staff are satisfied with the efforts of the players. The team’s determination was rewarded, but there are many areas that need improvement. We thank the players for giving their all. We really need to start better at the beginning of each half. After conceding the equalizer, we reminded the players to maintain focus and adjust tactics to address the situation on the field." Following the victory against the Philippines, Coach Đình Hoàng expressed greater satisfaction, stating, "The team started better than in the previous match. The players’ spirit was also better. We controlled the game and created many advantageous situations." He elaborated on the team’s strategy, saying, "At different points in the match, there were various situations. In the first half, we played a higher pressing game, not giving the opponent much space to operate. In the second half, we increased our focus and stability. I am very happy that the team won. This is the effort of all the athletes; they played over 100% of their capacity."
The final group stage match for the Vietnam women's futsal team will take place against Iran on May 11, 2025, at 16:00 (Vietnam time) at the Hohhot Sports Center in China. This match will determine the top position in Group B. Coach Đình Hoàng noted, "After each match, the coaching staff will analyze and evaluate to see what the team did well and what needs improvement. We will also analyze Iran to come up with a suitable strategy for the next match." He provided an update on the team's condition: "Currently, there are no serious injuries after the match; some players may be slightly fatigued, and the coaching staff will have a plan to help them recover to be in the best shape for the next game."
This tournament is a stepping stone for the Vietnam women's futsal team, aiming for a ticket to the World Cup. Having completed the first task successfully, they now face a crucial challenge in their quest for a semifinal spot. According to the regulations, the top three teams in the tournament will qualify for the World Cup, which is set to be hosted in the Philippines soon. This presents a historic opportunity for the Vietnam women's futsal team to make their mark. If they reach the semifinals, they will have a chance to secure a World Cup spot, provided they finish in the top three. However, the immediate focus is on the final group stage match, which will serve as a valuable assessment of their capabilities against a strong continental opponent.
In a related development, on May 9, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) conducted the draw for the 2025 U19 Women’s Southeast Asian Championship. The Vietnam U19 women's team has been placed in Group A alongside Myanmar, Laos, and Timor Leste. Group B features Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 9 to June 18, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, with matches held at Thong Nhat Stadium, District 8 Stadium, and Phu Tho Stadium. Teams will compete in a single round-robin format to determine rankings within each group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, followed by the finals and third-place playoff.
Since its inception in 2014, the U19 Women’s Southeast Asian Championship has become a vital platform for young female footballers in the region. The Vietnam U19 women's team has reached the finals three consecutive times in 2014, 2022, and 2023 but has yet to lift the trophy, finishing as runners-up on each occasion. To prepare for this year’s tournament, the Vietnam U19 women's team will officially gather for training starting May 12, 2025, at the Thanh Long Sports Center in Ho Chi Minh City. With the advantage of playing on home soil and the support of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the team is well-positioned to aim for the highest honors.
As the Vietnam women's futsal team gears up for their decisive match against Iran, the anticipation builds not just for the outcome but for the potential of making history in the upcoming World Cup. Each game serves as a critical lesson, shaping their strategy and performance as they strive for excellence on the international stage.
