The Vietnamese team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. — Photo baonghean.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) has sent their heartfelt thanks to the fans who accompanied the Vietnamese women’s team on their historic journey at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The team will return home on August 3 after exiting the competition. They finished bottom of their group after losing three games against the US, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Although the Vietnamese team didn’t achieve high results, they have always received the attention, support and encouragement from domestic football fans, overseas Vietnamese as well as international fans.

In the letter of thanks to fans, the VFF wrote: "In February 2022, the Vietnamese team made the hearts of millions of football fans in the country burst with happiness, when for the first time they won the right competing in the final round of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. This is considered a historic and meaningful achievement for Vietnamese and women's football.

“Việt Nam's journey to the World Cup was really special. However, overcoming the difficulties, the female players united and tried to compete with high spirit, will and energy of Việt Nam along with important support from Vietnamese fans to win the right to play in the event for the first time.

“Throughout Việt Nam's journey, there has always been the companionship of the fans. Despite having to compete in New Zealand, the Việt Nam team were warmed by the affection of overseas Vietnamese, as well as the Vietnamese audience who did not mind the difficulties coming to New Zealand to support.

“The VFF would like to thank domestic football fans, overseas Vietnamese in New Zealand as well as in other countries, international fans for always accompanying and standing side by side with the Vietnamese team at the World Cup.”

Coach Mai Đức Chung also thanked the VFF for creating conditions for the Vietnamese team to train and compete in the World Cup. He also said that following the World Cup, Việt Nam need to do many things to improve in the future.

Meanwhile, midfielder Dương Thị Vân added: “Myself and the whole team are very proud to compete at the World Cup. I thanked the fans for sharing, encouraging and hoping everyone will continue to accompany the Vietnamese women's team.”

For the efforts of the Vietnamese players, the VFF awarded them a total bonus of VNĐ1.8 billion (US$75,600)

VFF Chairman Trần Quốc Tuấn said: “The team didn't need to win games to get the reward. Most importantly, the efforts of each person, each player and the whole team are recognised by many people.

"After the World Cup, we still have upcoming tournaments to serve as a premise for big goals in the future. Hopefully, at the 2027 Women's World Cup, Việt Nam will still be qualified."

After the World Cup, the Vietnamese players will have a week off, before regrouping on August 10, ahead of the Asian Games 19 in Hangzhou, China in September and the Paris Olympic qualifiers. — VNS