Not Huynh Nhu, this player is the mainstay of the Vietnamese women's team

The Vietnamese women's national team just went through a difficult match against New Zealand and suffered a 0-2 defeat.

It's not Huynh Nhu, this player is the mainstay of the Vietnamese women's national team.

Duong Thi Van was dwarfed by the tall and imposing New Zealand players.

However, this result was also predictable because, in terms of physique, fitness, and playing quality, the host team of the 2023 World Cup had an advantage over the Vietnamese women's team.

Furthermore, having to compete in cold weather, with a temperature difference of nearly 30 degrees Celsius compared to Vietnam, it's understandable that Coach Mai Duc Chung's players were overwhelmed.

However, in the match on July 10th, there was one player who performed exceptionally well despite the Vietnamese women's team's unfavorable result, and that was midfielder Duong Thi Van.

While highly anticipated names like Hai Yen, Huynh Nhu, and Thanh Nha failed to live up to expectations, Duong Thi Van delivered a truly remarkable performance.

In the match against New Zealand, the 1994-born star was positioned by coach Mai Duc Chung as the deepest midfielder in a 5-4-1 formation.

On the flanks, Thanh Nhã and Bích Thùy tend to play close to the touchline. Meanwhile, captain Huỳnh Như is allowed to move wider to support Hải Yến playing further up the field and on the wings.

At that point, only Duong Thi Van had to stay put to avoid situations where she could directly attack the opponent's defense.

Despite standing next to players who were much taller and stronger, the midfielder from Ha Nam province showed no signs of nervousness.

According to statistics, she won 11 out of 14 duels, made 6 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 clearance.

These numbers speak for themselves! Especially in a match where the girls in red were completely outmatched by their opponents.

Despite her modest height of 1.53m, Duong Thi Van is very good at positioning herself to shield the ball, compete for possession, and win the ball back.

Besides that, Van also made excellent use of her agility and low center of gravity to turn or twist the flanks of the tall and strong opposing players.

In addition, the player currently playing for Than KSVN also showed incredible confidence and physical fitness.

In terms of the result, New Zealand secured the victory, but the home team's midfielders were truly sweating against the "tiny defensive midfielders" of the Vietnamese women's team.

Although a friendly match doesn't reveal much, it does give us some insight into what might happen at the 2023 World Cup.

In this competition, the opponents of coach Mai Duc Chung's team are of a much higher caliber than New Zealand.

At that time, names that could create a breakthrough, such as Thanh Nha or Huynh Nhu, would naturally be the focus of special attention.

Given the caliber of the American, Dutch, and Portuguese players, it's unlikely that Nhu or Nha will cause any surprises.

Therefore, the role of players who play in a more discreet position, like Duong Thi Van, will be maximized.

The number 16 player will also face a lot of pressure, but with what she's showing, she will continue to be a source of hope for the Vietnamese women's national team at the World Cup.

Source