In a recent interview granted to FIFA.com, forward Pham Hai Yen showed her strong determination to join the Vietnamese national women’s team in conquering a first-ever World Cup place through the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022.
Hai Yen hit eight goals in two appearances to power Vietnam to a place at India 2022 and finish as the leading scorer in the preliminaries, three clear of Republic of Republic’s Moon Mira.
“Of course, the Women’s Asian Cup is a test for us,” the 27-year-old told FIFA.com. “My targets for this campaign are simple: try to help my team win games in order to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time.”
The Women’s Asian Cup 2022 serves as the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Five teams will qualify directly for the World Cup via the knockout stage, and two more teams will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
With Australia already granted an automatic berth as hosts, it means that the participating teams have enhanced hopes.
I think the chances for the contenders have been increased, and that includes us,” said Hai Yen. “Therefore, I will try my best to make it with my team. The Women’s World Cup is every player’s dream and all I want is to realise it.”
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 is scheduled to take place from January 20 to February, with Vietnam having drawn against two-time reigning champions Japan, Republic of Korea and ASEAN fellow Myanmar.
Coach Mai Duc Chung’s side are set to kick-start their Group C campaign with an opening clash against the Republic of Korea on January 21 before taking on Japan and Myanmar on January 24 and 27, respectively.
Source: Nhan Dan Online
