Annalie Longo of New Zealand (left) and Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang of Vietnam during the international friendly match at McLean Park on July 10. New Zealand win 2-0. (Photo: AFP/VNA) The SEA Games champion suffered a 2-0 defeat to New Zealand in afriendly on July 10 at McLean Park in Napier.
“I saw their effort but their handling of the ball was not goodenough," said Chung at the post-match briefing.
"New Zealand were thirsty for a win after a 10-match losingstreak before the start of the World Cup, in which they are a co-host. Playersmade use of their better form and physique to create threatening opportunitiesfor the Vietnamese challengers. They were not afraid of fierce duels but triedto keep the ball at all times. It is a team of equal-quality players," hesaid.
Chung said Vietnam conceded both goals in the first half whenplayers had not caught up with the pace of the game. Vietnamese defenders didnot keep close eyes on New Zealand's players. They were much better in thesecond half.
"I will have to adjust our plans. Players must run faster andwork with the ball. We also have to improve our passing skills. Their fitnessis the main thing that I am pleased about regarding my team."
Speaking with reporters, forward Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha said theKiwis were strong, ran fast and approached the Vietnamese box quickly.Meanwhile, the cold weather was a big problem that prevented her team fromplaying well.
"We could not play as flexibly as we expected with such coldweather. I hope that we will adapt to the conditions in the next few days. Andwe should have special warm-up exercises to help us ready for World Cupgames," said Nha.
Her captain Huynh Nhu shared her opinion.
"The temperature here is very different from Vietnam. Itreally affected our performance. This friendly was for us to get familiar withthe weather," said Nhu who was back in action after two weeks of injury.
It is winter in New Zealand and the temperature is usually under10 degrees centigrade. The Vietnamese players were from Hanoi where it issummer and the temperature is up to 38 degrees.
"We will have a discussion with the team to analyse our gameand try to adapt to the cold and prepare for the next friendly withSpain," said Nhu.
Vietnam will play Spain on July 14 in a closed-door match, theirlast game to prepare.
Vietnam is No 32 in the world while Spain is No 6 which and hometo 2021 and 2022 FIFA Golden Ball winner Alexia Putellas.
The World Cup will begin on July 20. Vietnam's first match isagainst the reigning champion USA on July 22./.
VNA
