The achievements demonstrated the burning passion of the players to contribute to Vietnam’s football. Women’s football has worked miracles after more than three decades of establishment and development.
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Vietnamese female footballers arrive at the airport. |
Head coach Mai Duc Chung and the players had made thorough preparations after qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2022 held in India, with a determination to win a berth at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
The team had joined a training session in Spain in late 2021 but many players then tested positive for COVID-19.
They did not succumb to the challenge and qualify for the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup 2022. After losing 1-3 to China, who were the eventual champions of the tournament, Vietnam had to compete in the play-off round to vie for a ticket to the World Cup 2023.
The team showed dominance against regional rivals Thailand with a 2-0 victory, and gained a convincing 2-1 win against Chinese Taipei, making history for earning the first appearance in the Women’s World Cup.
The Vietnamese women footballers’ impressive accomplishments have won praises of foreign fans. Emotional celebrations of head coach Chung and his players were posted on numerous international sports channels.
The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) described Vietnam’s victory as ‘historic’ and ‘deserved’ and Asian newspapers hailed the achievements of the female footballers, who almost missed the tournament due to COVID-19, stating that they surmounted health challenges and brought glory to Vietnam’s football.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc underlined that this is deserved achievements earned by the efforts and determination of a team with solidarity and talents, under the guidance of head coach Chung. The President has decided to present Labor Orders to the team, Chung and his players.
All 29 members of the team will be also awarded certificates of merit bestowed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Football has been a source of inspiration and pride of Vietnam, showing that Vietnamese can obtain great achievements beyond imagination with their passion, efforts and mental fortitude.
The Party and State have given due attention to the development of Vietnam’s football over the time. After FIFA agreed to a proposal to expand the number of teams taking part in the Women’s World Cup, the football sector has worked to foster foreign training and invite experts for the national team, and made the best conditions for the squad to train and compete abroad.
The success of the women's football team demonstrated the "aspiration for contribution" as mentioned by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, which have been shown by concrete actions and deeds.
Source: VNA