The Vietnamese women's team train ahead of the second qualification round for the 2024 Paris Olympics. — Photo VFF

Football

HÀ NỘI — The Vietnamese women's team are ready for the second qualification round for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In their quest for success, coach Mai Đức Chung has been actively rejuvenating the squad, summoning many new players to replace regular faces. Alongside physical fitness exercises, the coaching team has been focusing on tactical techniques, improving personal skills and enhancing coordination between positions.

"Despite the intense training, the entire team are committed to giving their best in preparation for the tournament," midfielder Tuyết Dung said.

"With half of our players born since 2000, this is a transitional period and an opportunity for the younger generation to compete and gradually adapt to the team environment. They represent the future of Vietnamese women's football, and they are putting in their best efforts every day to prove themselves."

In a boost for the Vietnamese women's team, striker Huỳnh Như, who currently plays for the Portuguese top-division side Lank FC, will join the national team for the second qualifying round of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Như's presence will strengthen the team's attack, as the young players still need time to gain experience. During the ASIAD 19, Như's absence resulted in limitations for Việt Nam's forward line, with Thúy Hằng and Tuyết Ngân failing to meet expectations.

Như recently extended her contract with Lank FC for another year. Since joining last August, she has been instrumental in the club's climb from 10th to sixth place. She is currently the second-highest scorer in the team, with seven goals in all domestic competitions.

The Vietnamese team departed for Uzbekistan on Monday to commence their preparations for the event, which will take place from October 23 to November 11. Việt Nam have been placed in Group C alongside Japan, India, and Uzbekistan. This group is considered challenging for the Vietnamese women's team, particularly given Japan's dominant 7-0 victory over Việt Nam during the group stage of ASIAD 19 in China.

Việt Nam will face Uzbekistan on October 26, India on October 29, and the Japanese team on November 1.

The teams will compete in a round-robin format to determine the group winners and the three best runners-up who will advance to the third qualifier.

Assessing their upcoming opponents, defender Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Anh said: "Undoubtedly, the Japanese women's team are the strongest in Group C this time.

"The remaining three teams, Uzbekistan, Nepal, and Việt Nam, will be vying for the remaining ticket to the next round. All teams have an equal chance, and we hold our opponents in high regard. The Vietnamese team aim to perform well in each match and give their best effort."  VNS