CHONBURI, El Sky News — The defending champions, Vietnam, launched their campaign at the 33rd SEA Games 33 with a dominant 7–0 victory over Malayan Tigress in the opening match of Group B at the Chonburi stadium on 5 December 2025.
Vietnam wasted no time: just four minutes into the match, Phạm Hải Yến converted a loose ball after a mistake by the Malaysian goalkeeper to open the scoring. The goals kept coming — Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy met a precise cross in the 23rd minute, and Hải Yến added another strike in the 26th minute. Then Trần Thị Hải Linh sealed a 4–0 lead by halftime.
After the break, Vietnam continued their dominance. Midfielder Thái Thị Thảo — introduced off the bench — completed a second-half hat-trick, scoring in the 49th, 59th and 78th minutes to complete the 7–0 rout.
From start to finish, Vietnam controlled possession, pressed relentlessly, and repeatedly exposed Malaysia’s defensive frailties. Malaysia — led by head coach Joel Cornelli — struggled to retain any meaningful attacking momentum throughout the 90 minutes.
With this overwhelming victory, Vietnam now sits atop Group B — at least temporarily — after the first round. The result also gives them a strong goal difference advantage in their pursuit of a semifinal berth.
For Malayan Tigress, this loss presents a steep hill to climb. They will need strong performances in their upcoming matches against Myanmar women’s national football team and Philippines women’s national football team to salvage their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
