New Zealand pledges to support the Vietnamese women's team in the World Cup

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets with representatives of the Vietnamese women's team in Hanoi. She introduced the three cities of Aukland, Hamilton and Dunedin, where coach Mai Duc Chung's teachers and students will play the group stage matches of the World Cup 2023.

"I met coach Mai Duc Chung at the draw ceremony on October 22 and told him that I hope the Vietnamese women's team will be in the group stage in New Zealand. Glad, then it became a reality." Ms. Ardern shared. "You will meet strong opponents. But we will welcome and support the team to the fullest. The Vietnamese women's team will feel like playing at home when they come to New Zealand for the 2023 World Cup."

Ms. Ardern also promised to arrange time to attend at least one match of the Vietnamese women's team.

This is the first time Vietnamese women have attended the World Cup finals. The team in Group E will meet the defending champion USA (July 22), the winner of Group A play-off round (July 27) and the runner-up Netherlands (August 1). These are all the top strong teams in the world, but coach Mai Duc Chung feels happy because "it's rare to face such top teams in the world". "Having paid to invite them to a friendly is not sure to face their strongest squad," he shared.

After attending the drawing ceremony, coach Mai Duc Chung went to inspect all three places where Vietnamese women will play the 2023 World Cup. Talking about these venues, he said: "The host prepared very well, I didn't. There's nothing to complain about. In particular, the Vietnamese in New Zealand have also registered to buy all the tickets for the matches with the team competing. We are very happy, coming to New Zealand is like coming home."

Striker Hai Yen said there was a bit of pressure when facing the world's top teams. However, she insists that she and her teammates will try to do what is best to confront these opponents. She especially thanked the Prime Minister of New Zealand for the attention given to the team.