The Vietnamese women's team on the podium receive the gold medal. Photo: VGP/Dinh Nam

The Vietnamese players defeated the Thais 1-0 in the final match of 31st Southeast Asian Games on Saturday evening in Cam Pha stadium, winning the gold medal, their 7th SEA Games’ gold medal so far.

In his letter sent to the female players, President Phuc also thanked football fans who enthusiastically cheered the athletes with their love of sport and national pride, so that the "red-jersey female warriors" have brought glory to the Fatherland, joy for fans and the pride of Vietnamese women's football.

The dramatic final at SEA Games between Vietnam and Thailand drew more than 16,000 spectators in Cam Pha stadium, Quang Ninh province, on Saturday. The game’s turning point was seen in the 59th minute in the second half, when captain Huynh Nhu scored a goal for Vietnam.  

Though Thailand launched many attacks to seek a leveling goal, Vietnamese players made all-out efforts to keep their precious goal safe. Finally, with the 1-0 victory, the Vietnam women's football won the championship.

The Vietnamese men's football team will play against Thailand in the final match in My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi, on Sunday evening.