Vietnamese women's football aims for continental level

Compared to Thailand and the Philippines - two Southeast Asian women's football powerhouses, the Vietnamese women's team under coach Mai Duc Chung is superior in terms of tactical operation, effective situational response skills, and quick transitions in playing state.

The reigning SEA Games champions also demonstrated their strengths such as rotating their squad appropriately and skillfully implementing a high-pressing style of play that requires tactical thinking and good physical strength. In particular, the Vietnamese women's team has a resilient fighting spirit, playing with dedication and dedication.

Vietnamese women's football needs more investment to soon reach the continental level. Photo: QUANG LIEM

"The competitive spirit is the key factor that has contributed to the success of Vietnamese women's football in recent times. They are united, know how to cover and support each other in every attack and defense situation. That is the way for the Vietnamese women's team to overcome tough opponents in the region" - former player Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet analyzed. In addition, the versatility in each position is a huge plus that helps the Vietnamese women's team maintain their performance. For example, young defender Thanh Nha can still do well in the role of scoring goals or midfielder Hai Linh can play the role of a perfect central defender... That is the result of many years of training under the guidance of veteran strategist Mai Duc Chung. Striker Huynh Nhu admired: "Coach Mai Duc Chung strictly directs in the match, but off the field, he is always attentive, caring, reminding and encouraging us to play better". However, the Vietnamese girls are still inferior to many opponents in terms of physical strength and fitness when entering the continental arena. The limitations in appearance make the Vietnamese women's team at a disadvantage when competing for high balls, sprinting and finishing. This was shown at the 2022 Asian Women's Football Cup in India, when the Vietnamese women's team lost quickly to Japan, South Korea and China. Therefore, although the Vietnamese women's team has shown a difference in the Southeast Asian tournament, the level, class and experience of coach Mai Duc Chung and his team are still difficult to create surprises at the upcoming World Cup. Therefore, it is time for Vietnamese women's football to be paid more attention, with a plan to build and train young players more professionally and effectively. Vietnamese female players also need better treatment, reasonable investment, worthy of the achievements they have achieved for the country's football in recent times. VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan said: "The Vietnamese women's team and the national youth women's teams will continue to be given more opportunities to train and compete abroad to improve their level, aiming for high goals in the continental arena, especially preparing carefully to participate in the 2023 Women's World Cup."

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