Vietnam and the Philippines made Southeast Asia proud with their Women's World Cup performances
Vietnam only conceded three goals in their loss to four-time champions United States
The Philippines only allowed two goals in their loss to European powerhouse Switzerland

Download the Sports Brief App Now to Stay Updated on Fresh Sports News!

Vietnam and the Philippines finally made their debuts in the Women’s World Cup, and the Southeast Asian nations showed that they belong on that stage.

They failed to score a goal in their opening matches, but they proved to be worthy adversaries against the United States and Switzerland respectively.

Sports Brief examines their respective performances against the powerhouse teams in their group openers.

Vietnam, Philippines, FIFA Women's World Cup, Women's World Cup, United States, Switzerland, Katrina Guillou, Alex Morgan — Vietnamese players celebrate after a save by their goalkeeper in the match against the USA; Katrina Guillou celebrates her goal for the Philippines, which was eventually ruled out for offside. Images: Brad Smith/ Joe Allison.
Source: Getty Images

Vietnam vs. USA

Many expected Vietnam to suffer a heavy defeat in their opening group match.

They were about to face the United States, a team that has won four Women’s World Cup titles, including each of the last two editions.

Lionel Messi admits spotting teammate's run for brilliant assist against Netherlands at World Cup

Football

Vietnam, on the other hand, entered the contest as the 32nd-ranked team in the world.

The stats proved the Americans outclassed the Vietnamese. They dominated in shot attempts (28-0), corners (10-0), and shots on target (7-0), per the BBC.

Their dominance in this contest was such that the Vietnamese players were held without a shot or a touch in the opposition box. The last time that happened in a Women’s World Cup match was back in 2011.

That being said, Vietnam’s players and supporters can hold their heads up high as they didn’t buckle under the pressure of the United States’ attack. They limited the mighty Americans to just three goals in their encounter.

The highlight for Vietnam in this game came late in the first half when goalkeeper, Kim Thanh, saved a penalty from American legend, Alex Morgan.

Philippines vs. Switzerland

Another team that got the respect of the football world was the Philippines, which gave Switzerland a tough battle in their opening group match.

Women’s World Cup Group H Preview: Popp's German machine vs Chebbak's rising Morocco

Football

The Filipinas thought they bagged the country’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 15th minute following a strike by forward, Katrina Guillou, but her goal was correctly ruled out for offside after a swift review, per FIFA.com.

After that reprieve, La Nati started to dominate, but they had difficulty unlocking the Philippines’ defense. The goalless deadlock was finally broken late in the first half when Switzerland were awarded a contentious penalty.

Philippines defender, Jessika Cowart, misjudged her clearance inside the box and kicked the ankles of Swiss player, Coumba Sow, instead.

After consulting with VAR, the referee decided to give a spot kick to Switzerland, which Ramona Bachmann duly converted for a 1-0 lead.

The Swiss doubled their advantage in the 64th minute after Seraina Piubel pounced on a loose ball inside the box following a magnificent double save by Philippines keeper Olivia McDaniel.

That was the match’s final goal as the Philippines kept the European powerhouse at bay the rest of the way.

Women’s World Cup Group G Preview: Swedish dark horses face Kgatlana's Banyana Banyana

Football

The Philippines only managed three shot attempts the entire match and enjoyed just 26 percent of the possession against Switzerland.

Vietnam and Philippines’ next matches

Vietnam will next face Portugal on Thursday, July 27, while the Philippines will lock horns with hosts New Zealand on Tuesday, July 25.

Both Southeast Asian teams need a positive result to keep their dreams of advancing to the next stage in this year’s World Cup alive.

The Philippines will fancy their chances of recording their first-ever World Cup goal against New Zealand, as they had scored against them in a friendly last year.

The Filipinas even took a 1-0 lead in that contest before the Football Ferns grabbed goals in the 66th and 82th minutes to secure a 2-1 win.

Vietnam’s next opponents are also making their maiden appearance in this year’s World Cup. Portugal also has yet to score in the tournament following a 1-0 loss to the Netherlands in their group opener.

Women's World Cup Group A Preview: Hege Riise to awaken sleeping Norway in New Zealand

Football

Update: The Philippines recorded their first-ever World Cup win on Tuesday, beating New Zealand 1-0 in their Group A match. Sarina Bolden scored the Filipinas' first-ever goal in this competition through a header in the 24th minute.