Vietnam’s female football team gets World Cup boost from New Zealand PM

Within the framework of her business trip to Vietnam, PM Adern met representatives of Vietnam Sport Administration, officials of Vietnam Football Federation and Vietnam’s national women’s football team Tuesday afternoon.

Adern also introduced Aukland, Hamilton and Dunelin, the three cities in New Zealand where Vietnam will play the group stage matches of the tournament.

“I met head coach Mai Duc Chung at the draw on October 22 and told him that I really hope Vietnam will get to play in New Zealand, and it was true. The team will face strong opponents, but we will welcome and support them to the fullest. Vietnam women’s team will get to play like at home when competing for the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand,” PM Adern said.

The New Zealand PM also promised to attend at least one game of Vietnam.

This is the first time for Vietnam in a Women’s World Cup tournament. In the group stage, the team will face defending champions the U.S. on July 22. Three days later, they will play the Netherlands, a playoff winner on the 27th and runner-up of the last tournament.

After the draw, coach Chung has visited all three venues where Vietnam will play in the group stage.

“The host has prepared so well for this tournament and I have no complaints. Many Vietnamese in New Zealand fans have bought tickets to see their team play. We will feel at home when playing in New Zealand,” he said.

On behalf of the team, vice-captain Pham Hai Yen thanked Adern for her affection and concern for the Vietnam women’s team and affirmed players would give their best at the tournament.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand and is scheduled to take place from July 20 to Aug. 23. This tournament will be the first to feature 32 teams instead of 24 like in previous tournaments.