Vietnam face play-off match to secure World Cup passport
Vietnam’s women football team will have to prepare themselves for the play-off match in order to win the continent’s fifth ticket to the Women’s World Cup next year after a 2-0 loss to Australia in the last match of Group A at Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City.
An own goal off a shot inside the box from Emily Van Egmond and Kathryna Gorry’s goal in the second half gave the defending champions a hard-fought 2-0 win over the home team.
The loss left Vietnam out of the last four after the team only managed to gain three points. They beat Jordan 3-1 in the opening match but lost 4-0 and 2-0 to Jpan and Australia.
The victory helped Australia claim second place in the group with seven points after three matches. They drew 2-2 with Japan in the opener, and beat Jordan 3-1 and Vietnam 2-0 in the two following matches. Australia will take on winner Group B to be decided on May 19 after the match between the Republic of Korean and China.
The win not only keeps Australia on course to defending their title, but also gives them a place in the World Cup next year in Canada.
“As I expected, it was a difficult game for us because the opponent’s organisation in defence and their determination to defend was very good on May 19. I also wish them luck in the play-off match,” Australia’s coach, Alen Stajcic, said in the post-match press conference.
Vietnam’s Chinese coach, Chen Yun Fat, said: “Our opponents on May 19 are the defending champions and a very strong team, but our players stuck to the game plan, defending well and waiting to pounce on the counter-attack,” he said.
“Our player lost the match on May 19 but I am happy with their spirit. I also congratulate Australia on qualifying for the World Cup,” he added.
In the other Group A match, Japan, who also beat Vietnam 4-0 on May 17, thrashed Jordan 7-0, to top the group with seven points and a better goal difference than Australia. Japan will play Group B runners-up.
On May 17, the Republic of Korea and China also qualified for the semifinal stage, meaning they also go to Canada, after beating Thailand 4-0 and Myanmar 3-0.