Viet Nam has won an official 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup slot for the first time after beating Chinese Taipei 2-1 in their playoff tie at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India, on Sunday.
Chuong Thi Kieu and Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy scored one each in different half. Su Hy-Ysuan's goal was sandwiched between these two.
The triumph was a happy ending journey for the Southeast Asian champions who overcame a COVID-19 outbreak prior to the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Both two sides defeated Thailand in the previous matches, but due to better goal difference Chinese Taipei needed a draw while Viet Nam must win to secure the fifth automatic slot to the Australia/New Zealand event next year.
Viet Nam had aggressive start as head coach Mai Duc Chung asked his players to play in attack. They immediately dominated possession, forcing Chinese Taipei to defend deep.
Just seven minutes into the match Kieu jumped up almost unchallenged to nod home Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung's corner kick.
The early goal buoyed the team up as Viet Nam pressed forward with 72 per cent of possession in the first match. However, attempts from Tran Thi Thuy Trang and Thai Thi Thao were not successful.
The East Asian side also found several threatening chance including one by Chen Yen-Ping at the 19th minute. Su Hy-Ysuan raced the ball into the penalty box before giving it to Chen. Chen slotted home but the goal was not recognised as the ball had crossed the touchline before Su sent it back.
Chinese Taipei started the second half in fashion as they leveled the score just four minutes after the break.
Wu Kai-Ching took the ball, past several Vietnamese players and provided Su whose shot to the left corner past goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.
Viet Nam were forced to play more defence in the second half but their counter-attack tactic worked well. Their positive play was rewarded with a second goal in the 56th minute.
Thuy brilliantly controlled Thao's cross from the left wing before making a cannon shot to pass keeper Tsai Ming-Jung.
Viet Nam should make better score if captain Huynh Nhu and raising star Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha could manage their chances near the end of the match.
"I am very happy with the result. We will come to World Cup for the first time. We have fought bravely for this success," Kieu told reporters after the match.
"My team gathers many young players but we worked hard and determined to have first time participating in the World Cup. We also received strong support from home.
"It is incredible and I am going to hug my teammates to share this happiness now," she said.
Meanwhile coach Chung said his team completed their promise to local fans prior to their leave for the Indian tournament.
"I don't know how to describe how happy we are at the moment. We have spent a lot of sweats and blood for the campaign. The win deserves what we have done: hard work and beautiful goals in right time," said Chung. "A big thank to all team".
The women have received big bonus from the Viet Nam Football Federation and enterprise. After the Sunday match, the total amount of money is VND9 billion (US$397,000).
Viet Nam will join host Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, the Philippines as Asian representatives at the July 20-August 20 World Cup jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
A defeat for Chinese Taipei means they join Thailand in the Inter-Confederation Playoff where a win will take them into their first FIFA Women's World Cup./.
