Vietnam U16 girls’ team feels regret after missing out on the Southeast Asian final again

28/08/2025 07:52:00 SportScoop

Once again, the Vietnam U16 girls’ team failed to overcome the regional hurdle. Their 1-3 loss to Thailand U16 girls in the semifinals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U16 Women’s Championship in Indonesia yesterday (August 27) ended a journey full of effort but also left many regrets. Thus, after five participations, the best result of Vietnam’s U16 women’s football remains third place.

In reality, Coach Okiyama Masahiko’s players began the tournament with strong enthusiasm. Winning both group matches against Cambodia and Myanmar, Vietnam U16 girls reached the semifinals as the leaders of Group B. The hope for a historic milestone — reaching the final for the first time — was higher than ever. However, when facing their nemesis, Thailand’s women’s team, their persistent weaknesses clearly showed.

In the first half, Vietnam U16 girls were dominated by a fast, skillful, and physically strong opponent. After equalizing to 1-1 thanks to an own goal by a Thai player, Coach Masahiko’s team could not keep the balance.

In just the last few minutes of the first half, Peeranphan La-ongta and Charlotte Vallari repeatedly exploited gaps in Vietnam’s defense, giving Thailand U16 a 3-1 advantage. Efforts to push back in the second half only resulted in missed chances, such as Nguyễn Thị Minh Anh’s slow shot in the 65th minute.

This defeat reflects the growing gap between Vietnam’s and Thailand’s youth women’s football. Notably, just two months ago, Vietnam’s U19 women also lost to Thailand’s U19 in the Southeast Asian final held at Thống Nhất Stadium.

From U16 to U19, the two most important youth groups of Vietnam’s women’s football have both been defeated by the same opponent, each led by a Japanese coach. This indicates that Thailand’s youth women’s football is advancing strongly, not only in physique and fitness but also in tactical mindset and competitive courage.

Vietnam U16 girls will compete for third place in the 2025 Southeast Asian U16 Women’s Championship at 3:30 PM on August 29. Photo: VFF

Conversely, Vietnam’s youth women’s team must reconsider many issues. The local training systems are still weak, youth competitions are rare, and resources for player development are limited.

Although there is the presence of foreign experts like Japanese coach Okiyama Masahiko, without a solid foundation, it is very difficult for Vietnam’s U16 or U19 teams to maintain regional competitiveness, let alone compete at the continental level.

What is commendable is the resilient spirit of the young players. Under pressure from Thailand, the young girls did not give up and continued to seek chances until the final moments. Players such as Minh Anh, Thúy Nga, and Hồng Vân show potential for development if properly trained.

However, youth women’s football cannot rely on a few outstanding individuals; a long-term strategy is needed to raise the level of an entire generation.

Continuing to be stopped at the semifinals is a warning for Vietnam’s women’s football: if youth training is not properly invested in, the risk of being closely followed by Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, or even Cambodia is very real.

Major tournaments like the SEA Games and future Women’s World Cup qualifiers will be very difficult without a quality next generation.

For now, Vietnam U16 girls still have the third-place match to keep hopes for a bronze medal alive. They will compete for third place at 3:30 PM tomorrow (August 29). More importantly, the lessons from this defeat must be seriously considered so that Vietnam’s youth women’s football does not remain at the level of “trying but not enough.” To break the curse and advance further, investment, persistence, and a long-term strategic vision are necessary.

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