Vietnam have been handed an extremely tough group at their first-ever Women’s World Cup. They’ll be up against defending champions the U.S., as well as runners-up the Netherlands. Rounding out the group are Portugal, who are 11 places above Vietnam in the world rankings.
“Coach Mai Duc Chung will need his star players to be at their optimum levels if his team are to make their mark down under,” FIFA said.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup will take place from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Below are five players that FIFA chose as key to making or breaking the Vietnamese team’s success at the upcoming World Cup.
Tran Thi Kim Thanh, 30, goalkeeper
In excellent form at the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup, Thanh made more saves than any other keeper. Her contributions played a major role in Vietnam’s historic qualification for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Thanh’s outstanding performances in the play-off matches against Thailand and Chinese Taipei helped Vietnam win both games to secure World Cup qualification.
Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, 29, midfielder
Thuy, a key midfielder on the national team, scored the winning goal against Chinese Taipei and secured Vietnam’s place in the World Cup. She’s known for her exceptional control and finishing.
In an interview with FIFA, Thuy said she believes that she can "hit peak form and help Vietnam shine" on the game’s greatest stage.
Tran Thi Thuy Trang, 34, midfielder
Trang brings experience and leadership to the team. Coach Chung said she’s a "role model to the young players."
"An inspiring figure in the heat of battle, the 34-year-old midfielder's tireless work-ethic and fighting spirit is infectious. Faced with elite opposition at Australia & New Zealand 2023, Trang's composure on the ball will also be key to Vietnam retaining possession and easing pressure," FIFA wrote.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, 21, forward
One of the most promising young talents in Vietnamese women's football, Nha's biggest strengths are her pace and finishing. She has scored many stunners, including a curler that helped Vietnam win 2-0 against Myanmar to take home the SEA Games 32 gold medal last month.
Recently, Nha made headlines after netting a beauty against world number two Germany in an exhibition match that Vietnam lost 1-2.
Huynh Nhu, 31, striker
Nhu is the all-time goal leader of the national women's football team, and last year she became the first female Vietnamese player to join a European club. At Portuguese club Lank FC, she scored seven goals and provided two assists in her debut season.
"Fast, skillful and a clinical finisher, Vietnam's pioneering star forward provides the team’s chief attacking threat," FIFA wrote.
