Thailand national team head coach speaks candidly about the SEA Games after losing 1-3 to Vietnam.

Coach Ikeda of the Thailand women's national team held a press conference after the 1-3 loss to Vietnam in the third place match of the 2025 ASEAN Cup.

"Congratulations to the Vietnamese national team for their performance in this match. Our squad consists of many young players. We still need to gain more experience and address numerous mistakes we've made. It's important for us to continue strengthening and developing the team," Coach Ikeda shared these thoughts during the press conference after the 1-3 defeat to the Vietnamese women's team.

When asked which Vietnamese player impressed him the most, the Japanese strategist declined to answer.

Speaking further about the upcoming 33rd SEA Games to be hosted at home later this year, Coach Ikeda commented: "For the SEA Games at the end of this year, which Thailand will host, we still have time before the tournament. We must strive to select the best players to compete at the SEA Games and achieve our goals. At present, not only the teams in the ASEAN region are progressing, but women's football worldwide is also advancing,"The Japanese coach is uncertain about winning the SEA Games gold medal on home soil.

"We aim to prepare the team as thoroughly as possible in the coming days to maximize our potential and continue achieving success. The squad still has time to grow and improve before the SEA Games. There are still many areas we need to work on. We will make preparations to ensure the team becomes stronger in the future."

The team in red dominated the match. After several missed opportunities, Hai Yen broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, giving her side the lead. In the second half, Huynh Nhu and Bich Thuy each scored to help Vietnam's women's team go up 3-0. In the 87th minute, Thailand managed to pull one back through Wirunya, making it 1-3, but that was all they could do.

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