Thanh Nha scores against the German women's team

GERMANY Striker Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha sprinted from midfield before scoring against the world's number two team Germany, in Vietnam's 1-2 friendly loss on the evening of June 24.

In the 90+2 minute, Vietnam was trailing 0-2 and continued to be under pressure from Germany. However, after neutralizing an attack from their opponents, the red-shirted players immediately switched to counter-attacking mode. Ngan Thi Van Su passed past two German defenders, allowing Thanh Nha to accelerate from home, escape and face goalkeeper Merle Frohms. After a brief observation, the 22-year-old winger shot with her left foot into the far corner of the home team's net, reducing the score to 1-2 for Vietnam.

Thanh Nha (number 19) shares joy with teammates after scoring against Germany.

On the sidelines, the Vietnamese players and coaching staff danced and celebrated together. The large Vietnamese audience at Bieberer Berg Stadium also stood up, waving red flags with yellow stars and cheering after witnessing their home team score against the world's number two team. In contrast, the scene inside the German technical area was quiet. Coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg sat quietly, attentively taking notes in her personal notebook.

Unable to turn the situation around, Thanh Nha 's goal was meaningful. It was the result of the persistent efforts of the Vietnamese girls throughout the match. Far behind their opponents in terms of ball possession (28% compared to 72%) and number of shots (7 compared to 23), but coach Mai Duc Chung's team had almost the same number of times the ball was aimed at the goal (5 compared to 6). They even forced the opposing goalkeeper to save four times, and committed fewer fouls (3 compared to 11).

In this match, Vietnam did not have the service of captain Huynh Nhu due to injury. Thanh Nha therefore started as a right striker, while Hai Yen played the highest position in the attack. The difference in class was quickly shown, when Duc took the lead in the 3rd minute. With superior physique and speed, midfielder Anyomi broke through Vietnam's defense, before passing to striker Krumbiegel to tap the ball into the net from close range.

It was thought that the early goal would cause Vietnam to collapse. But on the contrary, coach Mai Duc Chung's players played tightly, covering each other well to limit the destructive power of the European runner-up. The team was not afraid, ready to coordinate the ball in counter-attacks. In the 13th minute, Hai Yen volleyed the ball from outside the penalty area to the far corner, forcing goalkeeper Merle Frohms to use his foot to block it. In the 42nd minute, Thanh Nha passed the ball to the center for midfielder Duong Thi Van to shoot from a distance. Frohms had to show off her talent again, flying as far as she could to push the ball over the bar. A few minutes later, Thanh Nha shot from a distance from the right wing but hit the German goalkeeper's position.

Despite the missed opportunities, the shots created showed Vietnam's confidence and improved skills after a period of training and playing against European opponents.

Goalkeeper Merle Frohms flew to block Duong Thi Van's shot.

In the second half, Germany still controlled the game but had many difficulties against Vietnam's resilience, close play and good formation. Therefore, they rarely created clear opportunities.

On the contrary, every time they were able to neutralize the opponent's passes, Vietnam boldly counterattacked and put pressure on. In the 65th minute, coach Mai Duc Chung brought Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung and Vu Thi Hoa onto the field to refresh the attack. About 12 minutes later, Tuyet Dung had a clear opportunity when she guessed the opponent's intention, rushed down to intercept the ball and escaped into the penalty area. After a moment of controlling and eliminating goalkeeper Duc, Tuyet Dung shot towards the empty goal but the ball lacked a curve, going close to the post and out.

Witnessing his players' mistake, the German coach got up angrily and continuously waved his hand to warn his players. However, Germany still took advantage of their superior skills and physique. In the 80th minute, the home team scored the second goal. From a high ball combination in Vietnam's penalty area, Janina Minge ran down and shot the ball close to the goal, beating Kim Thanh.

Germany's superiority in class and physique did not make it easy for Vietnam to be defeated.

Undaunted, Vietnam continued to maintain a high-intensity game, diligently following the ball to limit Germany's playing space. In the 85th minute, the team had another chance to score from a quick counter-attack. 18-year-old striker Vu Thi Hoa rushed down to press the home player's face, but the shot went straight to goalkeeper Frohms who had come out to close the angle. Frohms was Germany's best player, excellently denying Vietnam's chances. It was not until the end of the match that she was defeated by Thanh Nha's difficult goal.

Despite the defeat, the 1-2 result still pleased Vietnamese fans. Before the match, there were concerns about a heavy defeat because the opponent was among the world's top teams and was seriously preparing for the 2023 World Cup in July. In a friendly match with France last year, Vietnam was defeated 0-7.

Coach Mai Duc Chung's team still has friendly matches with New Zealand and Spain before entering the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Vnexpress.net