Football

The national women's football team received huge bonuses after winning a slot in the 2023 World Cup. VNS Photos Trương Vị

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) on Friday organised a celebration ceremony to honour the national women's football team in Hà Nội. 

The national football governing body congratulated the team for sending Việt Nam to its first-ever football World Cup.

Speaking at the ceremony, VFF's Acting President Trần Quốc Tuấn praised the women's amazing effort and determination.

The national women's football team present their winning jersey to officials of the VFF.

He said the team's solidarity and the iron will of individual players helped them overcome many difficulties to complete their task. It was a miracle journey.

He promised that VFF would do their best, together with sponsors, to support the team at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July.

He said along with intensive training courses and a nutritional regime, players will take part in up to four international tournaments this year and early next year. This is considered preparation for the World Cup where everyone wants to see the Việt Nam flag flying high and the team get positive results.

Coach Mai Đức Chung highlighted his players' spirit, which was a key part of Việt Nam's achievement and thanked them for what they did.

The 71-year-old also sent his gratitude to leaders of the Governmental and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, VFF managers and sponsors, along with national fans, who strongly supported and encouraged his team through two months of training and competition.

Players react after hearing a Honda motorbike will be given to each of them.

“When leaving for the tournament, we promised to play our best but could not ensure the result. But our strong mind to never-give-up and suitable tactics lifted us. It was the incredible effort of my women players who were backed by local authorities and supporters for many years," said Chung.

Coach Mai Đức Chung speaks at the celebration ceremony.

Chung promised that the World Cup would push his squad for the future.

Captain Huỳnh Như spoke of how her teammates overcame the coronavirus and how coaches helped them quickly recover.

She paid tribute to fans at home, in Spain and India who stayed by the team's side at all times.

Skipper Huỳnh Như thanks officials, sponsors and supporters at the celebration.

"Every player has dreamed of the World Cup. We worked hard in every game (in India) and finally made it. A big thank you to the coaching board, teammates, supporters and sponsors who helped us to have success," she said.

Dozens of billions of đồng have been given to the team since they returned home on February 10.

At the event, Chung and players received bonuses from sponsors with billions of đồng in cash and products.

To date, they have been awarded a total of more than VNĐ23 billion (US$1 million). — VNS