Vietnam women's team lost 0-1 to the Philippines, Le Phat believes they can beat Malaysia.

A handball in the penalty area in the 90+2 minute was not awarded as a penalty, and just two minutes later the Philippines scored to seal a 1-0 victory at Chonburi Stadium (Thailand) — a breathtaking turn of events that pushed the Vietnamese women's team into a do-or-die match against Myanmar in the final round of Group B at the SEA Games 33. In Bangkok (Thailand), the U22 Vietnam team accelerated their preparations for the decisive encounter with U22 Malaysia; striker Nguyen Le Phat maintained his belief in victory and recounted his story of playing in the SEA Games while simultaneously attending university.

The moment between 90+2 and 90+4 and the situation in Group B of the women's competition.

In the 90+2 minute, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha's cross struck Alessandrea Carpio's hand inside the penalty area. Vietnam appealed for a penalty, but referee Gulshoda Saidqulova allowed play to continue. From the resulting free kick, the Philippines scored the decisive goal in the 90+4 minute through Ramirez's shot, ending the match with a 0-1 victory.

This defeat leaves Coach Mai Duc Chung's team in a position where they must win against Myanmar in the final match to keep their hopes of advancing alive. The current standings are: Myanmar leading with 6 points, Vietnam with 3 points, and the Philippines with 3 points. According to internal team assessments, the Philippines are almost certain to win 3 points against Malaysia — therefore, the Vietnam vs Myanmar match is essentially a "group final".

Coach Mai Duc Chung was unhappy with the referee.

After the match, coach Mai Duc Chung expressed his regret: “The Vietnamese women's team lost very unfortunately. Given the course of the game, a draw would have been a more reasonable result.” He took responsibility for the situation leading to the goal conceded, and also argued that the referee's decisions were inconsistent: he did not call a handball by the Philippines but was very strict with Vietnam.

Tactical repercussions from the defeat.

Not being awarded a penalty in the 90+2 minute and conceding a goal in the 90+4 minute highlights the importance of emotional control at the end of the match. In the "final" against Myanmar, Vietnam's priority was maintaining focus during transitional moments and minimizing errors in set-piece situations — details that determined the result against the Philippines.

Vietnam U22 tightens up pace for the decisive match against Malaysia U22.

On the afternoon of December 8th, the Vietnam U22 team continued their training in Bangkok in preparation for the final match of Group B at the SEA Games 33. Before the training session, Nguyen Le Phat – participating in the SEA Games for the first time – affirmed that mental preparation and discipline in competition are key to overcoming the Malaysia U22 team.

Speaking about the opponent, Le Phat emphasized: “Malaysia is a strong team, with great physical fitness and speed. We must be ready to adapt at all times on the field, maintaining confidence and unity as the coach always reminds us.” Despite acknowledging the opponent's strength, the striker from Ninh Binh affirmed that the goal remains unchanged: U22 Vietnam aims for victory.

Behind the scenes: Balancing university studies with SEA Games participation.

Le Phat said that he and his two senior teammates, Thanh Nhan and Xuan Bac, are still studying at Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports. This group of players manages their time scientifically to avoid neglecting their studies, even with a packed schedule of competitions and training at the SEA Games.

Reactions from the Philippines after the victory

Coach Mark Torcaso was proud of his team's performance in Chonburi: "This victory has rekindled our hopes of progressing after the loss to Myanmar. The young players combined well with their more experienced teammates to secure these valuable three points."

Notable statistics

• Score: Vietnam 0-1 Philippines (goal in 90+4).
• Controversial incident: Alessandrea Carpio's handball in the 90+2 minute resulted in no penalty.
• SEA Games 33 Women's Football Group B standings: Myanmar 6 points; Vietnam 3 points; Philippines 3 points.
• Final round: Vietnam vs. Myanmar; Philippines vs. Malaysia (Philippines are almost certain to win 3 points).
• The Vietnam U22 team is training in Bangkok, preparing to face Malaysia U22 in the final match of Group B.

The focus of the day was on two crucial matches: the Vietnamese women's team against Myanmar to secure their own qualification, and the U22 Vietnamese team overcoming the physical and speed challenges of the U22 Malaysian team — with the belief from within the locker room that victory was the only goal.