FIFA names five Vietnamese players to watch at 2023 Women’s World Cup

The fact Vietnam are competing at the 2023 version of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand is in no small part down to Tran Thi Kim Thanh’s sensational form at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, FIFA wrote about the goalkeeper.

Her athleticism and sharp reflexes caught the eye throughout the regional event and she made more saves than any other goalkeeper, it added.

Meanwhile, her teammate Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy has matured into one of the national team’s most influential performers since making her Vietnam debut as a teenager a decade ago.

The midfielder scored one of the most significant goals in Vietnamese football history, with her winning strike against Chinese Taipei sealing the nation's first event qualification to a World Cup in either men's or women's football.

With regard to midfielder Tran Thi Thuy Trang, the captain brings plenty of experience and leadership to the team and has been described by coach Mai Duc Chung as “a role model to our young players.”

An inspiring figure in the heat of battle, the experienced 34-year-old midfielder’s tireless work-ethic and fighting spirit pushes the team forward. Faced with elite opposition at the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup, Trang’s composure on the ball will also be key to the country retaining possession and easing pressure, FIFA wrote.

Aged 21, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha is at the forefront of an exciting young generation of Vietnamese players. Her direct running and trickery frequently puts opposition defences on the back foot. The talented youngster is set to go to the World Cup on a high after scoring in the gold-medal match during the SEA Games in May.

FIFA confirmed that Nha’s versatility also makes her a valuable asset for coach Duc Chung. The midfielder is equally comfortable operating from either flank or in a central role.

Finally, Huynh Nhu is fast, skillful, and a clinical finisher. The forward is the pioneer for Vietnamese football, providing the team’s main attacking threat, according to FIFA.

Nhu is her country’s all-time record goal scorer and has netted at a rate of almost a goal per game at international level, whilst last year saw her become the first female Vietnamese player to join a professional European club, it wrote.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will jointly be hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

Vietnam will play in Group E against defending champions USA on July 22, Portugal on July 27, and the Netherlands on August 1.