Sharing at the press conference, Coach Akira Ijiri was confident about the preparation of the Vietnam U20 women's team for this important tournament: "We have learned about the Iran U20 women's team and know that this is a team that is very strong in terms of individual technique. They also have good physical strength and tactical thinking. We are preparing carefully for each match and cannot say much about the final match against the Australian U20 women's team at the moment."

Coach Akira Ijiri speaks at a press conference ahead of the second qualifying round of the 2024 AFC U20 Women's Championship. Photo: VFF

Meanwhile, captain Le Thi Bao Tram is cautious about the upcoming opponents: “In the first qualifying round, the opponents are not stronger than the Vietnam U20 women's team. But personally, I think the Iran U20 women's team in the second qualifying round is a tough opponent. My team and I will try to win 3 points on the opening day. Facing the top teams in the continent is a good opportunity for me and my teammates to demonstrate our abilities. As for me, I am not afraid of any player.”

The opponent of the Vietnam U20 women's team in the opening match (June 3) is the Iran U20 women's team. The team from West Asia is trying to achieve good results against the home team. Coach Morgan Jahan-nejati said: "After the first qualifying round, we have tried to have the best preparation for the second qualifying round. We are ready for the first match against the Vietnam U20 women's team".

The remaining match on June 3 will be between the Lebanese U20 women's team and the Australian U20 women's team. Lebanese U20 women's coach Joanna Hanga said: "We are not fully prepared but we will try our best. The Lebanese U20 women's team will show the best of what they have."

As a highly rated team in the group, Head Coach of the Australian U20 Women's Team Leah Blayney confidently said: "We came here to show ourselves and feel very excited to prepare for the upcoming tournament. Preparation before a tournament is very important, so we arrived 6 days early to get used to the conditions here. At the same time, the facilities here are very good. That helps the team adapt easily to have the best preparation for the tournament."

According to the match schedule, the Vietnam U20 women's team will meet the Iran U20 women's team at 7:00 p.m. on June 3. Meanwhile, at 4:00 p.m., the Australia U20 women's team will compete with the Lebanon U20 women's team. In Group A of the 2024 AFC U20 Women's Qualifiers, the Australia U20 women's team is considered the biggest rival of the Vietnam U20 women's team and the two teams will meet in the final match. The matches will take place at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho Province.

Match schedule of Group A, second qualifying round of the 2024 AFC U20 Women's Championship. Photo: VFF

TUAN DIEP