Vietnam primed for Tokyo 2020, says Huynh Nhu
Hanoi: Huynh Nhu is confident Vietnam can create history by qualifying for Tokyo 2020 ahead of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Third Round next month in Korea Republic.
Vietnam have been in intensive training for the Qualifiers and will head to Jeju Island, Korea Republic for the Qualifiers on February 3-9 as the Southeast Asian nation look to qualify for the Olympics after a stellar 2019 which saw them winning the AFF Women’s Championship and SEA Games.
The Olympic Qualifiers will be a tougher ask but charismatic captain Huynh Nhu believes Vietnam will seal one of the two berths available to Tokyo 2020.
“The entire team is working hard for the Qualifiers. After having ended 2019 with two titles, our confidence has been boosted and we are looking forward to the Qualifiers,” said Nhu, whose extra-time goal over Thailand sealed Vietnam’s third AFF Women’s Championship last year.
“I think the team is in the best frame of mind ahead of the tournament.”
“Vietnam has set a very high goal. Previously, the Vietnam women’s team never had the opportunity to play at the Olympic Games.
“I think this is an opportunity for the whole team to try to better our previous achievements by earning a slot at the Olympics.”
Head coach Mai Duc Chung has brought in several U-19 players into the fold and according to Nhu, the blend of youth with the regulars will help the team going up against Korea Republic and Myanmar in Group A.
“The younger players also have quite good qualities in them. These training camps will not only introduce them to the rest of the team but also forge stronger bonds.
“I hope they will be able to fill in the gaps left by some of the retired players and will shine during the Qualifiers.”
Nhu said the clash against the Koreans will be crucial.
“We have achieved good results against Myanmar in previous matches but as for the Koreans, playing against them did not go in our favour.
“And I think all the teams have rejuvenated their squad, so everything is difficult to predict. However, we will watch recordings of their matches and hopefully, we will overcome Korea Republic.”
Myanmar will face Korea Republic in the opening Group A match on February 3 before Vietnam play their Southeast Asian rivals three days later. Korea Republic play Vietnam on February 9.
