Group B Drama Unfolds as Vietnam Dominates, Myanmar Edges Philippines
CHONBURI, Thailand - The opening day of the SEA Games 2025 Women's Football Tournament's Group B delivered a sharp contrast of results, with defending champions Vietnam showcasing their absolute class in a massive victory, while Myanmar clinched a hard-fought win in a tightly contested affair. Both matches, held at the Chonburi Stadium complex, set an immediate, intense tone for the group stage competition.
In the day's most emphatic result, the formidable Vietnamese women’s national team, the reigning SEA Games gold medalists, unleashed a scoring torrent against Malaysia, securing a stunning 7-0 victory.
From the first whistle, Vietnam controlled the tempo, demonstrating superior skill, cohesion, and relentless pressure. The Malaysian defense struggled to contain the quick, intricate passing and lethal finishing of the Vietnamese attack. The goals came from multiple sources, underscoring the team's depth and attacking variety. While the scoreline is a painful one for Malaysia, it served as a powerful statement from Vietnam: they are here to defend their title and are arguably the team to beat in the tournament.
The second Group B fixture saw Myanmar secure a crucial 2-1 victory over the Philippines, the latter feeling the sting of defeat in their tournament opener. The match was an aggressive and physical contest between two evenly matched sides. The Philippines, often known as the 'Filipinas,' fought fiercely, demonstrating the resolve that has marked their recent rise in regional football. However, Myanmar's clinical finishing proved the difference.
Myanmar struck first, but the Filipinas quickly responded, equalizing to keep the tension high. The decisive moment came in the second half when Myanmar broke the deadlock with a well-worked goal, their defense holding firm for the remainder of the match to secure the invaluable three points. For the Philippines, this narrow loss is a tough pill to swallow, but they showed enough fighting spirit to suggest they remain a strong contender for a knockout spot.
Vietnam’s dominant win immediately places them at the top of Group B with a perfect three points and a significant goal difference (+7). Myanmar's hard-earned three points also puts them in a strong position, leaving the Philippines and Malaysia with a challenging path forward.
The results from today's matches highlight the clear tier separation in the group, but the battle for the second semi-final spot between Myanmar and the Philippines is already shaping up to be a thrilling contest.