Annalie Longo of New Zealand (left) and Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang of Vietnam during the international friendly match at McLean Park on July 10. New Zealand win 2-0. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The 2023 Women's World Cup has expanded this year to 32 teams, and for the first time will be hosted by two countries, New Zealand and Australia. The tournament will take place from July 20 to August 20 at 10 stadiums in 9 cities in these two countries. This is the first time Vietnam has made it past the World Cup qualifiers.

The whole team is ready for the upcoming challenge, said team captain Huynh Nhu. "This is not just my dream but the dream of the whole team and every Vietnamese football fan. After winning a ticket to the World Cup, we underwent some serious training because we know that glory comes with responsibility and trust. Our fans have great expectations for the team. We’re all determined to make an all-out effort."

To prepare for the World Cup, the Vietnamese team had a 3-week training session in Europe in June. Upon arriving in New Zealand, coach Mai Duc Chung's teams played two friendly matches against New Zealand and Spain. In the group stage Vietnam will play three outstanding teams: the reigning world champion USA, the defending runner-up Netherlands, and Portugal, which puts a lot of pressure on the Vietnamese players.

Coach Chung said: "Each tournament is different. This time we’re playing in a global tournament, so there’s a lot of pressure on the players, and on me, also. We have not been up to the level of many other teams, but once we get into the game, everyone wants to win and we have to strive even harder. With a more relaxed mindset, we will play better."

After the opening match against the US, Vietnam will meet Portugal next Thursday and the Netherlands on August 1.