Vietnam coach satisfied with players' fighting spirit in first World Cup game

Coach Mai Duc Chung gives instructions to Vietnamese players at their Women's World Cup group stage game against the U.S. in Eden Park, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Chung said the players helped him keep his promise before the game, that Vietnam could lose, but would show strong spirits before an opponent better than them in all aspects.

The 72-year-old coach was emotional about bringing Vietnamese players to the World Cup stage for the first time. "I was overwhelmed with emotions when Vietnam’s national anthem was played at the biggest arena of the women’s football."

Vietnamese players had no shots in the game although they fulfilled the important target of limiting goals lost.

They conceded three although the U.S. had 28 shots, including seven on target.

Vietnam's midfielder Thai Thi Thao (L) prevents a pass by U.S. players at the 2023 Women's World Cup group stage game in Eden Park, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Vietnamese goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh had many great saves, including one time when she blocked the penalty shot by Alex Morgan in the first half.

Chung said the goalkeeper position is the one he felt most assured about in the squad. "Kim Thanh played excellently today, blocking a series of shots from the opponents. Other players coordinated and supported her well, so we managed to neutralize many attacks from the U.S."

Vietnam are the second Southeast Asian team to play the U.S. at the Women’s World Cup. In 2019, the debuting Thailand also met the U.S. in their opening game and lost 0-13.