First-half goals from defender CJ Bott and forward Jacqui Hand helped New Zealand to break a 10-match losing streak. Their last victory was a 2-1 win over Philippines in a friendly in the U.S. in September 2022.
The game was Vietnam’s second loss within a month after a 2-1 defeat to Germany in June.
New Zealand, ranked No.26 in the world, dominated from the start and took the lead in the 17th minute when right back Bott scored from a corner, firing home a shot from long range which was deflected by Vietnamese defender Tran Thi Thu Thao.
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During the friendly match |
Hand scored just before halftime to give New Zealand a 2-0 lead, which endured throughout the second half. Indiah-Paige Riley delivered a cross from the right and Hand had a simple tap in at the left post.
New Zealand was more proactive in front of the goal than they have been for some time under coach Jitka Klimkova, delivering 19 shots to Vietnam’s 1 in the first half alone.
While it couldn’t add to its lead in the second half, New Zealand continued to test the goalkeeper Thanh, who successfully denied 10 attempts from the host's forwards.
Despite conceding two goals, Thanh was given 8.6 points by Sofascore, the highest among the players of the game.
Other players of Vietnam also achieving high results were midfielder Duong Thi Van with 7.1 points. Despite her smaller size compared to the New Zealanders, she bossed 10 out or 13 duels and was successful in six tackles.
Forward Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, who is said to have received offers from three clubs to compete abroad scored 6.8 points and defender Diem My had 6.6 points.
Hand was the best player on the host side with 8.1 points.
New Zealand, co-hosting the World Cup with Australia, will begin their campaign against former champions Norway in Group A on July 20 as they seek their first win in six appearances at the tournament.
Newcomers Vietnam, world No.32, will have the last warm up against Spain on July 14. They will face defending champions the U.S. in Group E on July 22.
Source: VNA