Midfielder Trần Thị Hải Linh during a training session. Photo VFF

Football

HÀ NỘI — Midfielder Trần Thị Hải Linh says the goal of the Vietnamese women's team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is to take one point.

Việt Nam is in Group E alongside defending champions the US, reigning runners-up the Netherlands, and Portugal.

“The 2023 World Cup is a very big event," Linh said during a training session of Việt Nam in Germany.

"This is also the first time Việt Nam has participated in this tournament. If the coach chooses to let me play, I will be very nervous and happy, especially as I can play in the Vietnamese jersey at a world event."

“My personal goal is to play well, try my best and show all my abilities, and the team's goal is to get one point in the group stage.

“My further goal is to be able to contribute more and bring more achievements to the national women's team. In the future, I want to have the opportunity to play abroad, maybe a South Korean club."

The Vietnamese team is training in Germany and then in Poland for three weeks to prepare for the World Cup.

"The weather and food conditions here are good, so when the coaching staff gives us physical exercises, it will be easier for us to meet. I will try to improve my fitness and technique," Linh said.

Việt Nam will have its first friendly match against Eintracht Frankfurt on June 10 at Stadion am Sommerdamm.

According to coach Mai Đức Chung, this is the first time Việt Nam has participated in the World Cup so the coaching staff will keep the spirit of the players comfortable but also have the technical requirements. Việt Nam is not under heavy pressure at the Cup but will try their best to preserve the image of the SEA Games champion.

The 2023 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

Việt Nam will kick off their World Cup campaign against the US on July 22  in Auckland.  They will then play Portugal on July 27, followed by the Netherlands on August 1. VNS