The Cambodian women's football team have been left disappointed after losing to Thailand 0-6 in the bronze medal match
Cambodia fell to Thailand 0-6 on Monday in the bronze medal match of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). The defeat was a disappointment for the Cambodian team, which reached the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time.
The Cambodian women's team had previously let their opponents score many goals. In their third match against Vietnam, Vietnam defeated Cambodia 3-0. In their first match against Laos, Cambodia won 4-0. Against Singapore, Cambodia scored one goal from a penalty.
In the bronze medal match at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium, Thailand left the host country disappointed with the result of 0-6 on hometurf, as their last match at Smart RSN Stadium saw Thailand defeat Cambodia 3-0.
In the first 10 minutes, Thailand had two chances to score, but both were blocked by Cambodian goalkeeper Chen Soveat. She played hard to support her team, as Thailand is one of the strongest teams in the SEA Games, along with Vietnam.
In the 15th minute, Thai captain Saowalak scored a goal with a header, assisted by player number 13, Pataranan. The ball was hit very hard, and the Cambodian goalkeeper could not save it.
In the 25th minute, Thailand scored another goal through player number nine, Jiraporn, who is a key player and has scored many goals in the 32nd SEA Games. This made the Thai fans cheer once again.
The Thai women's team continued to press and had another chance to score a goal in the 33rd minute, scored again by captain Saowalak. This time, the Cambodian team pressed, but player number 12, Nutwadee, got the ball back and quickly assisted Saowalak, who easily scored past the four Cambodian defenders and goalkeeper.
Thailand had another golden chance with a penalty, as Cambodian player number 13, Vibol Sreysitha, made a mistake against Thai player number 15. However, Saowalak kicked the ball far wide, and the Thai team was left with regret.
In the second half, Thailand scored two more goals. In the 51st minute, Thai defender (wing right), Panittha, headed the ball in after a corner kick. Then, in the 54th minute, Pataranan scored another goal when the ball went into the Cambodian box after player number 10 took a free kick.
In the 88th minute, Pataranan scored the last goal of the match with her second goal of the game. The Thai team was left excited by the goal that came close to final time.
During the match, the Cambodian women's team was not confident when they had possession of the ball and were unable to control the ball to score a goal, despite several chances, including free kicks, corner kicks, and head balls.
However, their advancement has made the history books as it is the first time Cambodia’s women’s football team has reached the semi-finals of the SEA Games.
