 |
| Goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh |
In an article published on June 28, FIFA hailed that Vietnam’s historic first World Cup appearance is in no small part down to goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh’s sensational form at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Thanh’s athleticism and sharp reflexes caught eyes throughout the tournament, and she made more saves than any other goalkeeper, it said.
Midfielder Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy has matured into one of the national team’s most influential performers since making her Vietnam debut as a teenager 10 years ago.
 |
| Midfielder Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy |
Thuy is responsible for scoring one of the most significant goals in Vietnamese football history, with her winning strike against Chinese Taipei sealing the nation's maiden qualification for a men's or women's World Cup.
That decisive effort offered a glimpse of her impressive quality, with Thuy expertly controlling a raking cross-field pass before powering home an emphatic finish.
 |
Vietnam captain Tran Thi Thuy Trang |
Meanwhile, Vietnam captain Tran Thi Thuy Trang brings 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 34-year-old midfielder’s tireless work-ethic and fighting spirit is infectious. Faced with elite opposition at Australia and New Zealand 2023, Trang’s composure on the ball will also be key to Vietnam retaining possession and easing pressure.
 |
Forward Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha |
According to FIFA, 21-year-old forward Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha is at the forefront of an exciting young generation of Vietnamese players.
Nha’s versatility makes her a valuable asset for coach Duc Chung. She is equally comfortable operating from either flank or a central role.
The last name on the list is Vietnam’s pioneering star forward Huynh Nhu. Fast, skilful, and a clinical finisher, Nhu provides the team’s chief attacking threat.
 |
Forward Huynh Nhu |
Nhu is Vietnam’s all-time record goal scorer – she has netted at a rate of almost one goal per game at the international level – and last year became first female Vietnamese player to join a professional European club.
Nhu signed for Portuguese top-flight outfit Lank Vilaverdense; she scored seven times and laid on two assists in her debut season.
At the coming World Cup finals, the Vietnamese team will face the US – the defending champion - on July 22, Portugal on July 27, and the Netherlands – the runners-up of the previous tournament - on August 1.
These matches will all take place in New Zealand.
