Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã (left) is ready to play with the Vietnamese women's team against Portugal. — Photo toquoc.vn

Women’s World Cup

HÀ NỘI — Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã has recovered from her illness and is ready to join the Vietnamese women's team to face Portugal in the second match of the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Nhã, a key player in the Vietnamese team, returned to training with her teammates on Sunday.

She trained with players who did not feature in the opening game against USA, while those who did play in the 3-0 loss against the defending champions just held a light recovery session.

At present, the Vietnamese team has no other injuries with coach Mai Đức Chung able to choose from a full squad.

"For each match, we will have a different expertise. We will prepare well for the match against Portugal," Chung said.

Despite losing 3-0 to the reigning world champions US, the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) still gave the reward of VNĐ800 million to the Vietnamese team for their efforts and determination.

Furthermore, the Vietnamese team’s brave performance also won the hearts of Vietnamese and international fans everywhere.

Sports websites across the world, together with many other international media outlets, gave positive comments on Việt Nam’s strong performance in their first appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Americans prevailed to secure a hard-fought 3-0 victory in Auckland to get their bid for a third consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup crown off to a positive enough start. But Việt Nam, making their debut appearance in either the men’s or women’s World Cup, won plenty of admirers for making life difficult for their opponents.

FOX Sports praised Vietnamese goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh as one of the best players on the pitch.

The Vietnamese stopper was a bright spot for the country in the first half. She was under pressure for most of the match and continued to make wise decisions. She was also not afraid to challenge for crosses in the air against opponents with significant height advantages. To keep the score respectable, Việt Nam needed her to play well, and she did.

FIFA also praised Thanh’s performance as the global football governing body wrote on its Twitter: “Thanh takes a bow. The Vietnamese keeper has had a sensational first half and now saves an Alex Morgan penalty on the stroke of half-time!”

Việt Nam will continue their journey at the World Cup with the match against Portugal at 2:30pm on July 27 and then they will face the runners-up Netherlands in the final match of the group stage at 2pm on August 1. — VNS