2023-07-21 21:38:02
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Huynh Nhu started playing soccer by kicking a coconut-like fruit. Now, as a member of the Vietnam national team, she will captain the team in a difficult opening match against the United States in the Women’s World Cup.
The duel is a milestone for football in Vietnam, which is making its debut in the World Cup. No Vietnamese team has played in this men’s or women’s tournament.
Just jumping onto the field is an achievement. But now the 32nd-ranked team in the world will face the two-time defending champions in their first game.
On paper there seems to be a huge disparity. But Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung is determined to show what his team can do on this stage.
“We did not come to do tourism. We are here to play,” Mai warned on Friday. “The United States is a very strong team. It’s like a mountain, but that doesn’t mean we’ll give up. We will have the right strategy to minimize the number of goals conceded”.
Vietnam qualified for the tournament at the Asian Cup last year. Although they lost in the quarterfinals to China, they advanced to a round-robin playoff. There they beat Thailand and Taiwan. Both of their rivals struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We will do our best to bring Vietnam’s image to the world,” Mai said. “I hope this trip will be an inspiration for the future development of football in Vietnam.”
Soccer in Southeast Asia has lacked development compared to other powerhouses in the sport. Vietnam’s first women’s team was formed in 1997 and Huynh is the only one to play away with Länk FC Vilaverdense in Portugal.
“I hope this tournament will be an inspiration for the children in Vietnam, for the people of Vietnam,” added Huynh.
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