Olympic dreams overshadow Tet

The team, which includes several new faces from the under-19 squad, is in a group with Thailand, Singapore and the Maldives. Viet Nam will meet archrivals Thailand in its first game next Monday. But before that, they”ll have to come to terms with being away from their families for the Lunar New Year.

“This is the first time we have said good bye to our families for the Tet holidays,” said captain Doan Kim Chi. “Every player feels sad because they want to be with their families and friends.”

Players from the northern part of the country are facing the most acute separation pains. They began practising at the Thanh Long Sports Centre in HCM City early this month, bidding farewell to their families.

“My mother encouraged me to finish the task,” said Ha Noi-based striker Bui Thi Tuyet Mai, who comes from a family of three. “I will try my best to bring joy to my mother. On New Year”s Eve I will call my family to wish every one a happy New Year.”

2003 Golden Ball award winner Van Thi Thanh, from the northern province of Ha Nam, said being away from home has brought the team together.

“Celebrating Tet far from home makes us more driven to meet our target of winning three matches in Thailand.”

Head coach Tran Ngoc Thai Tuan said his family will celebrate Tet a little late. But said the festival would be even more meaningful if the women”s squad was successful.

The Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) organised a monumental New Year”s Eve party for the team last night at the Thanh Long centre.

VFF”s officials will be on hand for Viet Nam”s opening match against Thailand to throw their support behind the team.

Viet Nam will play the Maldives two days after facing the Thais. Their last game will be against Singapore on February 23. The top two teams in the group will advance to the next round of qualifiers.

VNS