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Rookie Ramirez Delivers As Filipinas Stun Vietnam In SEA Games Showdown
Photo credit: PFF
The Filipinas kept their semifinal hopes alive in the 2025 SEA Games after pulling off a thrilling 1-0 victory over defending champion Vietnam on Monday night in Chonburi, Thailand. Rookie forward Mallie Ramirez became the hero of the match, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner that gave the Philippines a crucial lifeline in the tournament.
Coming off a painful 1-2 loss to Myanmar, the Filipinas entered the match knowing defeat could end their campaign. Instead, they produced one of their most composed performances yet—showing discipline on defense and resilience in key moments against a powerhouse Vietnam side that also competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The win also completed an extraordinary night for Philippine football. Barely 30 minutes earlier, the men’s national team stunned 2023 SEA Games champion Indonesia, 1-0, in Chiang Mai to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1991. For Philippine football, conquering both reigning SEA Games champions in the same night marked an unprecedented milestone in the sport’s history.
A Confident Start and a Strong Defensive Stand
The Filipinas set the tone early with goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel producing a crucial save in the 11th minute. Moments later, attacker Alexa Pino nearly scored after an incisive breakaway by Angie Beard, though her shot narrowly missed the target.
Team captain Hali Long threatened twice with headers, but Vietnamese keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh thwarted both attempts. Vietnam, however, remained dangerous throughout the match, forcing the Philippine backline into several tense moments. Young defender Isabella Pasion delivered multiple key stops, including a vital recovery in the 56th minute to shut down a Vietnamese breakaway.
As the match intensified late in the second half, left back Sofia Harrison-Wunsch produced a crucial block in the 87th minute to frustrate Vietnam’s growing momentum.
Ramirez Seals the Win in Added Time
The Filipinas came close to a spectacular finish in the 89th minute when Ramirez attempted a bicycle kick that missed the ball by inches. But the breakthrough finally arrived deep into stoppage time.
After a long free kick from McDaniel, Long redirected the ball toward substitute Alessandrea Carpio, whose header forced a quick save from the Vietnamese keeper. The rebound spilled in front of goal, where Ramirez reacted fastest and fired the ball into the net, securing the victory in the 90+4th minute. It marked her second international goal—both scored in this SEA Games and both in only her first two senior appearances.
A Team Growing in Confidence
The Filipinas’ win reflected their tactical discipline and steady development as a program. Their young attacking trio and rising defenders showed not only individual talent but also improved chemistry, while the team as a whole executed its defensive game plan with impressive precision.
The coaching staff highlighted the importance of resilience, noting that the team’s preparation revolved around staying compact defensively, capitalizing on set pieces, and trusting the depth of its young core—an approach that paid off in the final minutes.
A Crucial Match Ahead
The victory kept the Filipinas in the race for a semifinal berth. Their next match is a must-win encounter against Malaysia on December 11 at 5:00 PM (Philippine time) in Chonburi. A triumph there would give the Philippines a strong chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
With momentum finally on their side and a new generation of players rising to the challenge, the Filipinas head into their final group match with renewed belief and a historic win fueling their campaign.
Coming off a painful 1-2 loss to Myanmar, the Filipinas entered the match knowing defeat could end their campaign. Instead, they produced one of their most composed performances yet—showing discipline on defense and resilience in key moments against a powerhouse Vietnam side that also competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The win also completed an extraordinary night for Philippine football. Barely 30 minutes earlier, the men’s national team stunned 2023 SEA Games champion Indonesia, 1-0, in Chiang Mai to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1991. For Philippine football, conquering both reigning SEA Games champions in the same night marked an unprecedented milestone in the sport’s history.
A Confident Start and a Strong Defensive Stand
The Filipinas set the tone early with goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel producing a crucial save in the 11th minute. Moments later, attacker Alexa Pino nearly scored after an incisive breakaway by Angie Beard, though her shot narrowly missed the target.
Team captain Hali Long threatened twice with headers, but Vietnamese keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh thwarted both attempts. Vietnam, however, remained dangerous throughout the match, forcing the Philippine backline into several tense moments. Young defender Isabella Pasion delivered multiple key stops, including a vital recovery in the 56th minute to shut down a Vietnamese breakaway.
As the match intensified late in the second half, left back Sofia Harrison-Wunsch produced a crucial block in the 87th minute to frustrate Vietnam’s growing momentum.
Ramirez Seals the Win in Added Time
The Filipinas came close to a spectacular finish in the 89th minute when Ramirez attempted a bicycle kick that missed the ball by inches. But the breakthrough finally arrived deep into stoppage time.
After a long free kick from McDaniel, Long redirected the ball toward substitute Alessandrea Carpio, whose header forced a quick save from the Vietnamese keeper. The rebound spilled in front of goal, where Ramirez reacted fastest and fired the ball into the net, securing the victory in the 90+4th minute. It marked her second international goal—both scored in this SEA Games and both in only her first two senior appearances.
A Team Growing in Confidence
The Filipinas’ win reflected their tactical discipline and steady development as a program. Their young attacking trio and rising defenders showed not only individual talent but also improved chemistry, while the team as a whole executed its defensive game plan with impressive precision.
The coaching staff highlighted the importance of resilience, noting that the team’s preparation revolved around staying compact defensively, capitalizing on set pieces, and trusting the depth of its young core—an approach that paid off in the final minutes.
A Crucial Match Ahead
The victory kept the Filipinas in the race for a semifinal berth. Their next match is a must-win encounter against Malaysia on December 11 at 5:00 PM (Philippine time) in Chonburi. A triumph there would give the Philippines a strong chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
With momentum finally on their side and a new generation of players rising to the challenge, the Filipinas head into their final group match with renewed belief and a historic win fueling their campaign.
Dec 9, 2025
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