Vietnam’s performance at Women’s World Cup draws attention

On Thailand’s largest forum, Pantip, the result was marked as somewhat of a surprise because Thailand also met U.S. in the opening match of the 2019 World Cup four years ago and lost 13-0.

Account 6235647 wrote with the comment: “I thought Vietnam would end up like Thailand, but then they only lost one more goal in the second half. However, I guarantee Vietnam will lose all three matches in the group stage and won’t score any goals.”

Thailand’s loss to the US four years ago marks the biggest gap in the history World Cup, whether men’s or women’s. Thailand finished the tournament with three defeats, scoring one and conceding 20 goals. 

Account 7288875 had predicted that Vietnam will not lose as heavily as Thailand, but was surprised by the style of Vietnamese players and their coach Mai Duc Chung.

“Despite losing, Vietnam ran a lot and fought in every phase,” they wrote. ”Vietnam ran for 90 minutes straight, and we must admire them for that.”

The fan also said Vietnam might have saved forward Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha for their second match against Portugal. 

“I like Nha and maybe she will be used to help Vietnam beat Portugal, because their captain Huynh Nhu also plays there,” the account added. Nhu has been playing for Länk FC Vilaverdense.

On the football section of Reddit, many fans said they were surprised by Vietnam’s performance in the first World Cup’s match.

Account BarbaricGamer wrote: “Honestly, Vietnam did a lot better than many expected. Impressive showing from the keeper especially.”

Thanh was the main reason the U.S. could not have a bigger victory. They had seven shots on targets and Thanh blocked five of them.

Her most impressive save was from a penalty by Alex Morgan in the 44th minute, ending the U.S.’s 20 years of successful penalties.

The U.S. also made 50 crosses in the match, with goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh stopping 10 of them.

Account booty_vuitton commented: “Kim Thanh is 5’5 but you wouldn’t be able to tell by watching this game.”

And Tsquared10 responded: “I was sure we would wear her out and find some crosses that snuck over her head. But nope. She came out and put quality challenges on every single one.”

However, there are also many fans who think that Vietnam should not be too optimistic because the match is significantly different in level.

SomeManSeven wrote: “Don’t let the scoreline fool you, as this was as one-sided as a game can possibly get.”

DanilHay commented: “Probably the most one-sided 3-0 in football history.”

Throughout the match, the U.S. controlled possession with 28 shots, while their keeper Alyssa Naeher did not have to deal with any shots from Vietnam.

“Great result for Vietnam to be honest. The U.S. have been wasted in front of goal. The difference in athleticism between two team is massive,” wrote ITickleMyElbows.

DocQuanta commented: “You might argue the U.S. should have won by more, but Vietnam had essentially zero chances to score. Their strategy wasn’t even to get a draw, much less win, just lose by as little as possible.”

Coach Mai Duc Chung said he was satisfied with the result as his players demonstrated a strong spirit and fulfilled their main mission of limiting goals conceded.

Vietnam play Portugal next on July 27, and the U.S. play the Netherlands.