Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan to play off for Women’s World Cup berth
VOV.VN - The Vietnam national women’s team will take on Thailand and Taiwan (China) to seek a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket after losing China in the Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals on January 30.
Facing China that have won the Asian Cup 8 times and competed at the World Cup 6 times, coach Mai Duc Chung chose a defensive approach to help players both protect the goal and keep their strength for the play-offs in case if they lose this quarter-final clash.
Right in the 11th minute, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung took advantage of a Chinese defender’s mistake to swing her left foot and hit the back of the corner, giving Vietnam the lead.
Fifteen minutes later, Wang Shanshan dribbled the ball past Tran Thi Phuong Thao and struck a very dangerous kick, causing goalkeeper Kim Thanh to repel the ball, but Wang Shuang was present at the right time and curled the ball into the empty net.
In the second half, players brought to bear pressure on their hosts, and Wang Shanshan and Tang Jiali scored two more goals for the visiting team.
Coach Mai Duc Chung’s players were awarded a penalty, but Bich Thuy missed the chance, and hosts Vietnam accepted a 1-3 defeat in the end.
Losing to China, the Vietnamese team were knocked out of the Women’s Asian Cup, but they are still in contention for a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup place if they play well in the play-offs.
As Australia lost to the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China) were stunned by the Philippines in the Asian Cup quarterfinals, Vietnam will play Thailand and Taiwan for the World Cup berth.