>> Vietnam beat Chinese Taipei to secure first-ever Women’s World Cup berth
>> Vietnam stun Thailand to close in on Women’s World Cup berth
It was Thuy who came off the bench to score the winner against Chinese Taipei, in the play-off round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup early last month, after the game had been poised 1-1, with Su Hy-Ysuan, having cancelled out Chuong Thi Kieu’s first-half opener.
The narrow victory steered Vietnam to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. Coach Mai Duc Chung’s side finished on top of the playoff round with six points, three ahead of Chinese Taipei and six above bottom-placed Thailand.
“I still feel like it was a dream,” Thuy told FIFA.com. “I am so lucky to have scored this decisive goal. We never thought this could happen, but now we are in the Women’s World Cup. It is hard to put into words.”
Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy (#23) in action during a match. (Photo: VFF)
The 27-year-old midfielder said she and her teammates worked very hard to realise the World Cup dream, affirming that it was an honour, not only for herself, but also for all Vietnamese people.
According to FIFA, Vietnamese women’s football has improved significantly over recent years, and qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ has shown great success for youth football development in the country.
Thuy said that things have changed a lot since they made it through to the Women’s World Cup. “The women’s game is drawing increasing attention from all walks of life and there will be more girls involved in this game. Women’s football will reach new levels in Vietnam.”
Talking about the coming World Cup stage, she expressed her wish to continue scoring for the Vietnamese team.
“I want to showcase my best form in the Women’s World Cup and in particular, I hope I can score my first Women’s World Cup goal,” Thuy told FIFA.com.
