Vietnam women’s futsal team closer to the championship title at the tournament in Thailand

Vietnam’s Women’s Futsal team took a significant step toward winning the NSDF Women’s Futsal Championship 2024 in Thailand with a commanding 3-0 victory over China on the afternoon of September 26.

After securing two previous wins against Chinese Taipei and Indonesia, Coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang’s team entered the match against China with confidence. Despite a reshuffled Chinese lineup compared to their last encounter in July, where Vietnam won 4-2, the Vietnamese players faced some initial difficulties adjusting to their opponents’ new strategies and lineup.

As both teams settled into the game, Vietnam gradually gained control and created opportunities to score. However, China’s defensive resilience made it difficult for Vietnam to find the back of the net in the early stages. The first half seemed destined to end goalless until the final moments when Vietnam was awarded a penalty. With just nine seconds remaining in the half, team captain Thanh Hang was fouled in the box, and Phuong Anh confidently converted the resulting 6-meter penalty, giving Vietnam a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, China adopted a power-play strategy in an attempt to equalize, leaving their goal unprotected and presenting Vietnam with multiple chances to strike from long range. Vietnam nearly capitalized on these opportunities early in the half but narrowly missed adding to their tally.

Eventually, China’s inability to break down Vietnam’s defense led to a slower pace, which Vietnam exploited. In the 28th minute, Thanh Hang delivered a precise pass to Bui Thi Trang, who finished expertly to extend the lead to 2-0.

This second goal gave Vietnam the momentum they needed, and just four minutes later, Thanh Hang once again played the role of playmaker, setting up Van Anh to score the third goal, sealing a 3-0 victory for Vietnam.

With this result, Vietnam now holds 9 points from three consecutive wins. They need only a draw in their final match against hosts Thailand on September 28 to clinch the NSDF Women’s Futsal Championship 2024 title.