Hosts crowned football queens
HOÀNG HỒ
QUẢNG NINH — Just a few months ago, after the historic campaign that saw Việt Nam's women qualify for their first-ever World Cup, head coach Mai Đức Chung announced his retirement at the end of this year.
On May 二 一, at Cẩm Phả Stadium, Chung celebrated like a young man after his women made the nation proud with their seventh SEA Games title, a record.
The head coach position has yet to be decided, but Chung's legacy, which was decorated by this 一-0 win against Thailand in the SEA Games 三 一 final, will stay forever in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
Defying fan expectations of a cautious final, Việt Nam bamboozled the visitor with rapid attacks.
When the clock only showed one minute and 三0 seconds of playing time, the hosts introduced themselves with Nguyễn Thị Vạn beating two taller Thai defenders to fire a stunning header towards goal that was only just saved by the tip of goalie Waraporn's fingers.
Five minutes later, from a cross on the right, the ball found captain Huỳnh Như, surrounded by the Thais, to try her luck with a skillful volley that was again stopped by the on-form Waraporn.
Việt Nam really showed co妹妹itment in dealing with their opponents right from the off, with chance after chance in all positions from headers to long-range efforts.
Thailand certainly didn't prepare for such an overwhelming attack, but as five-time champions of the tournament themselves, their mentality helped them survive the attacking waves and they defended solidly while offering dangerous counter-attacks.
The first half ended goalless, a relief for Miyo Okamoto's team.
