Football

Coach Mai Đức Chung lands in New Zealand to take part in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup draw on October 22. Photo of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Coach Mai Đức Chung will take part in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup draw on October 22 in New Zealand.

The draw will be held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland and will commence at 7.30pm local time.

Việt Nam will join 31 teams divided into four groups at the competition. Southeast Asian champion Việt Nam is placed in the third group with Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica and Jamaica.

"Individually, I am happy, and so is my team, when we secure a slot to compete at the coming women's World Cup. It is the first time that we can enjoy a high-level tournament after many years of waiting," Chung said.

"In the finals, all teams are strong. It will be a good chance for Việt Nam to practise, learn and gain experience. It is not easy to compete such powerful teams.

"We may not have a high result this World Cup but we will wave our flag high while showing the world our determination and solidarity," he said.

The 71-year-old coach also revealed plans about his team preparing for the World Cup.

Players will be summoned for the first training camp after the national championship later this month.

"A large number of players will be called at this time so that our coaching board will test veteran players' abilities and select new talents," Chung said. "The best ones will be picked to serve in the World Cup."

Chung and the staff of the Việt Nam Football Federation will stay in New Zealand for several days to inspect the competition's venue, training area, accommodation and food. These activities are to ensure his team's comfortable stay during the World Cup.

The ninth edition of the tournament is co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with a record-high 64 matches to be played across 10 different stadiums.

The World Cup will begin on July 20, 2023, as both Australia and New Zealand to play their first group matches.

The host traditionally opens the tournament, and New Zealand has been proactively assigned to Group A, while Australia is slotted into Group B.

Exactly one month later, the final will then be played on August 20, 2023 at Stadium Australia in Sydney. — VNS