Vietnam received a warning before the 2023 Women's World Cup
In the opening match of the 2019 World Cup, the US crushed Thailand 13-0, turning the Southeast Asian representative into the heaviest losing team in the history of the women's world football championship. ESPN estimates that if Vietnam is not well prepared, the above scenario may repeat in the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand in July.
"Vietnam is the only team to attend this year's World Cup without playing this month," ESPN commented. "Vietnam hasn't played a single match since July, raising concerns about how they are preparing for the big tournament. Meeting the US in the opening match adds to the concerns."
Meanwhile, ESPN appreciates the preparation of another Southeast Asian representative, the Philippines. "They have begun to challenge themselves match after game, focusing on progress and improvement rather than results," the article read. "Despite the mistakes against Wales, Scotland and Iceland after the last three friendlies, the Philippines is on the right track."
The Philippines is also said to be in an easier Group A when facing hosts New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland. In the Asian region, ESPN believes that China, Australia and Japan - the 2011 World Cup winners are the three representatives of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that have the most opportunity to advance. Meanwhile, Vietnam, the Philippines and South Korea are undervalued.
Vietnam is in Group E with the US, the Netherlands and Portugal. The United States is the defending champion, won the most World Cups (four times), played the most (50 games), won the most (44 matches) and scored the most goals in tournament history (138 goals). Captain Megan Rapinoe insists they are aiming to win a fifth World Cup, and a third in a row.
Vietnam is attending the Women's World Cup for the first time, so the goal is to enjoy and play to the fullest. Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan - President of VFF and coach Mai Duc Chung said that this is a rare opportunity because he can meet the reigning champion of the US and the runner-up of the Netherlands - opponents whose money is unlikely to be invited by Vietnam. to be confronted.
Many concerns about the preparation of the Vietnamese women's team, but the fact that VFF has calculated since the previous year. Accordingly, teachers and coaches Mai Duc Chung will focus, train and compete continuously for four months, from March.
The team has three overseas training sessions in Japan, Germany and New Zealand. Here, the team encounters the host country's national team and strong clubs. Interspersed with training sessions is the first round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the 32nd SEA Games. On July 22, Vietnam kicked off its opening match against the US at Eden Park, New Zealand. Then, the team met Portugal on July 27 and the Netherlands on August 1, respectively.
