One of the eight nations debuting at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Vietnam are ready to shine on the world stage. The recent gold medallists in the Southeast Asian Games are also in fine form getting into the tournament which is keeping their spirits high. Mai Duc Chung’s side is capable of causing a major upset and will utilize their counter-attacking threat to create history.
Qualification to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
The Golden Star Women's Warriors defeated Thailand and Chinese Taipei to make it out of the playoffs and qualify for the Women’s World Cup. Vietnam finished third in their Women’s Asian Group behind two heavyweights Japan and South Korea to enter the playoffs. In the first match against Thailand, Huynh Nhu and Thị Thao scored for 2-0 success while Chuong Thi and Nguyen Thuy were on the scoresheet for a 2-1 success in the final match.
Preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
The Southeast Asian Games in May itself served as a preparation for Vietnam where they successfully won the gold by beating Myanmar 2-1 in the final. Keeping aside the 2-1 loss to fellow World-Cupper Philippines, Duc Chung’s side picked up big wins over Malaysia and Myanmar, in the group stage as well, with a 4-0 thrashing of Cambodia in the semi-finals. The real test though came against Germany in a pre-World Cup friendly in June. Despite a 2-1 loss, Vietnam displayed a praise-worthy performance putting the Euro finalists under pressure at times. Nguyen Thị Thanh Nha's late goal might be a consolation for the game but it was proof of their testament for the main tournament ahead. They have two more friendlies lined up against co-hosts New Zealand and Spain.
Monday, 10 July 2023
New Zealand vs Vietnam
Friday, 14 July 2023
Vietnam vs Spain
Vietnam Squad of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Tran Thị Kim Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City), Khong Thị Hang (Than KSVN), Dao Thị Kieu Oanh (Hanoi)
Defenders: Chuong Thị Kieu (Ho Chi Minh City), Tran Thị Thu Thao (Ho Chi Minh City), Tran Thị Thu (Ho Chi Minh City), Luong Thị Thu Thuong (Than KSVN), Nguyen Thị My Anh (Thai Nguyen T&T), Le Thị Diem My (Than KSVN), Tran Thị Hai Linh (Hanoi), Tran Thị Thuy Nga (Thai Nguyen T&T), Hoang Thị Loan (Hanoi)
Midfielders: Duong Thị Van (Than KSVN), Tran Thị Thuy Trang (Ho Chi Minh City), Nguyen Thị Bich Thuy (Ho Chi Minh City), Thai Thị Thao, (Hanoi), Nguyen Thị Thanh Nha (Hanoi), Ngan Thị Vạn Su (Hanoi), Nguyen Thị Tuyet Dung (Phong Phu Ha Nam)
Forwards: Huynh Nhu (Lank Vilaverdense), Phạm Hai Yen (Hanoi), Nguyen Thị Thuy Hang (Than KSVN), Vu Thị Hoa (Ho Chi Minh City)
Head Coach: Mai Duc Chung
Strength
Vietnam has already made their nation proud by qualifying for the Women’s World Cup so playing the tournament will not bring any additional pressure. The team have a clear plan in mind and are determined to execute it properly. Their unpredictable nature like other debutants in the Women’s World Cup is a factor they will use to get at opposition. Threat from counters will be on with star striker Huynh Nhu being at the heart of it.
Weakness
The lack of experience and the quality of the opposition in this competition is a step too far for this Vietnamese team. They already found it difficult against Japan and South Korea in the Women’s Asian Cup held in India last year with the challenge being far higher in the event in Australia and New Zealand. A tough group gives little promise. The lack of foreign exposure for the players will also be a stumbling factor for the side.
Key Player: Huynh Nhu
Vietnam’s record goal-scorer with 64 goals, Huynh Nhu will be the face of the team at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The 31-year-old is the only player in the squad playing outside of Vietnam professionally, the first ever women player to do so from the country. Her club Lank Vilaverdense plays in the second division of Portugal. Hence, Nhu’s bag full of experience will come in handy to cause trouble in the final third if the right supply is given to her. She has been awarded Vietnam’s best player several times and her scoring instinct will be crucial for the side on unknown grounds.
How will Vietnam Lineup in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
Vietnam FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Groups & Fixtures
Saturday, 22 July 2023
USA vs Vietnam - Eden Park, Auckland (6:30)
Thursday, 27 July 2023
Portugal vs Vietnam - Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (13:00)
Tuesday, 1 August 2023
Vietnam vs Netherlands - Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (12:30)
Prediction
Vietnam is an ambitious side and their feisty nature means they will not throw their guard easily. However, the thought of facing the last edition’s winners and runners-up in the same group brings sweat to even the experienced campaigners let alone debutants for the contest. Portugal will also be a tough opposition to play against. The minimum the side could manage is damage limitation through their unity and score their first-ever goal in the Women’s World Cup to make it an unforgettable memory for the nation.
Note: All Timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST)
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