Coach Mai Duc Chung. (Photo: Duong Thuat)

Vietnam beat Myanmar 2-0 in the women’s football final of the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia to become the first team to win the gold medal four times in a row. They have won the SEA Games eight times. It was a particularly hard match for the team as many players were suffering from injuries. But, Vietnam’s “diamond girls” hung onto their lead and sealed the game with a decisive goal from Thanh Nha, thanks to Coach Chung’s careful strategy.

During the match, the 74-year-old coach stayed close to the pitch to guide and encourage his team. After Nha’s goal, Chung and his team felt their spirits soar, and they all raced out to the field after the final whistle to dance in celebration.

“As the head coach, I was really concerned about how to lead the players to make the most of themselves to defend their champion title. This was a historic victory for the team. It was a miracle,” Mr. Chung said.

For the past 20 years, coach Mai Duc Chung has led the Vietnam women’s football team to 8 gold medals at the SEA Games.

“I’m always thinking about how to develop Vietnam women’s football. I hope my small contribution will help Vietnamese football thrive,” said Mr. Chung.

(Photo: Duong Thuat)

The peak of Mr. Chung's career with the national women's football team came in early 2022. After a series of play-off matches, Vietnam won a ticket to the World Cup for the first time in history. The achievement came despite the team suffering attrition before and during the playoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the 32nd SEA Games, coach Chung and his players will continue training hard for the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will kick off in New Zealand and Australia in July.

“Our team will face great pressure, as this is a world-class sporting event. This will be a great honor and a good opportunity for Vietnamese players to learn from professional football teams around the world,” Mr. Chung said.