Vietnam will touch down on World Cup soil for the first time.

The expansion of teams in this years Women’s World `cup is seeing a record-equalling eight newcomers, in which Vietnam is one of the debutants to prove their worth this summer in Australia and New Zealand.

Qualifying for the World Cup, like many other debutant teams, is arguably the biggest achievement for their team. Attending this World Cup is inspiring, in which Head Coach Mai Duc Chung goes one step further to say that just one goal from his team during the campaign would “make history”.

In addition to beating Thailand & Chinese Taipei in the playoffs, Vietnam have recently won the gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games, following a 2-0 victory over Myanmar in the final.

However, the recent 2-0 loss against co-hosts New Zealand, in a warm-up match ahead of the World Cup, leaves the team with mixed form before their first ever World Cup game next Saturday.

As well as this, the three opponents in Vietnam’s group (USA, Portugal and Netherlands) all offer a tough challenge, especially from defending Champions the US.

The team will look to their key players for guidance, many of which pose a threat in the attacking third.

Formerly injured player Huynh Nhu is arguably the star in the Vietnamese squad, as well as the only player in the team to play in Europe. A threat in the box, with 67 goals in just 72 appearances for the national side, which places her as the record goal scorer in Vietnam.

Nhu will be joined up top with Pham Hai, who’s clinical performances have resulted in 39 goals in 66 appearances, and Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha. The 21-year-old was a crucial part of the 2022 Asian Cup, due to her drinking abilities and pace into the box.

With Nhu returning from injury, the forward highlights the importance of this World Cup for Vietnam:

“Participating in the World Cup is not only my dream, but the entire team’s. Not just for the women players, but also for the men’s teams and the fans”.

How far will this dream take them?