Football

HÀ NỘI — Coach Mai Đức Chung said he satisfied with his players’ preparation for the upcoming 2018 Asian Women’s Football Championship’s qualification.

“Over one month of training and competing, my players have showed great spirit and competitiveness,” Chung said while interacting with reporters on Wednesday in Hà Nội.

“I am almost done setting up the final squad. No one is injured and players ’ physical conditionis quite good. We are ready for the event,” Chung said.

Apart from practice, the team has also played five friendly matches with different rivals. They won four games and drew one.

In the last game against on Wednesday Việt Nam easily overcame the U16 women’s team.

“The result of this match is not important because the U16 team are young and lack experience. The match is to encourage my players and help them become more confident when competing in official games,” Chung said.

“I appreciate the quick integration and fast progress of young players such as Nguyễn Thị Thúy Hằng, Hà Thị Nhài, Đỗ Thị Nguyên and Nguyễn Thị Vạn, who made their debut here. However they still need to perfect their tactical minds and sharpen their technique because our rivals are strong,” Chung said, referring to Myanmar and Iran.

The tournament will kick off on April 3 in Hà Nội. Hosts Việt Nam will play two days later.

From now until the first match, Chung said, his players will focus on improving their tactics. Further, three out of the current 26 players will be dismissed.

Việt Nam are in Group D with Syria, Singapore, Myanmar and Iran.

Their first game is versus Syria.

Chung said he only had information about the Myanmar team, which was presenting a young squad under experienced Dutch coach Roger Reijners. The team had made remarkable progress recently.

Việt Nam has beaten Singapore earlier and Chung’s team is no stranger to this regional rival but he had little information regarding the other teams as Việt Nam had not played them before. However, Chung said the players from western Asia, such as Iran and Syria, are better than Việt Nam in terms of physique and height. But their technique is less refined and they are not as agile as Vietnamese players. 

Chung said his team’s target is the only ticket of the group and estimated a 50-50 chance for his side. He said the advantage of home turf and a little luck may tip the favour towards his side in this tournament.

Myanmar and Iran will arrive Hà Nội today while Singapore and Syria will land here tomorrow. They will have two days to practise and make familiar with the weather and the ground of the Việt Nam Youth Football Training Centre. — VNS