Historic Triumph for the Vietnam Team to Enter FIFA Women’s World Cup

Vietnam qualified for their first FIFA Women's World Cup after becoming the fifth and final side to book their ticket to Australia and New Zealand 2023 through the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Vietnam will attend the 2023 Women's World Cup for the very first time after a 2-1 victory in the play-off against Chinese Taipei on Sunday.

Vietnam qualify for the FIRST-EVER #FIFAWWC! Video: FIFA

After receiving a corner pass from Tuyet Dung, Chuong Thi Kieu headed the ball into the rival's net in the seventh minute at DY Patil Stadium in India.

The goal strengthened the Vietnamese women's fighting spirit for the rest of the game.

In the 20th minute, goalkeeper Kim Thanh's net was rattled by Phuong Thao's misplaced ball. Su Yu-Hsuan, Taiwan's brightest star, passed to Chen Yen-Ping, who cushioned the ball into goal. The move was called back by the referee since the ball was already out of play.

Vietnam focused on defense in the second half, with Kieu successfully blocking numerous attacks.

Vietnam players celebrate their win at the Women's World Cup play-off with Chinese Taipei on February 6, 2022. Photo: Asian Football Confederation

In the 50th minute, Taiwan was able to equalize. Wu Wai-Ching sped through a slew of Vietnamese opponents before handing the ball off to Su Yu-Hsuan.

Vietnam recovered the lead barely six minutes later. Bich Thuy was able to kick the ball straight into the opponent's net thanks to Thai Thi Thao's accurate assist.

Referee Yoshimi Yamashita's final whistle signaled a watershed moment in Vietnamese women's football, with the squad destined for the 2023 Women's World Cup, which will be held by Australia and New Zealand in July next year.

Coach Mai Duc Chung speaks to the press after Vietnam 2-1 victory against Taipei, Chinese on Feb 6, 2022. Photo: VnExpress

Vietnam Women's National Team Coach, Mai Duc Chung was jubiliant about the sweet success which securing Vietnam's first ever ticket to Women's World Cup on Sunday.

"We are very happy. The team won as we promised our beloved fans. No words can describe the joy I am feeling right now," Coach Mai Duc Chung said, according to VnExpress.

He shared that Vietnam's goals were all well-timed and felicitous as well as expressing his appreciation to the team for 'putting up a tough fight'. The coach added, "after much hard work, we have achieved the sweet fruits of labor".

Midfielder Chuong Thi Kieu, who scored the first goal for Vietnam in the seventh minute, said,"After many missed chances, we have finally secured our first World Cup ticket. We are so happy we're just going to hug each other and cry."

"The team faced many difficulties before and during the tournament, but we fought hard to repay our beloved fans who watched and cheered for us back home", Kieu shared to VnExpress.