Speaking to FIFA in an interview, Huynh Nhu recounts the experience of competing in the World Cup finals for the first time with the Vietnamese women's national squad.
The captain of the Vietnam women's national team explains why securing a spot in the FIFA Women's World Cup holds significance beyond just sporting success for her country.
Vietnam's women's national team qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ ranks among the most emotional chapters of her life. As captain, Huynh Nhu felt years of effort culminate in an unforgettable moment.
"It's something I will never forget. When the final whistle blew, the whole team embraced each other." For Huynh Nhu, that victory was not just joy but also a release—a release forged from sacrifice, belief, and perseverance. "I feel proud because we achieved what once seemed beyond our reach."
That pride carried her through the tournament, even as the Vietnam women's team faced the reality of competing against the world's strongest sides.
Participating in the Women's World Cup showed the Vietnam women's team still has work to do to match the world's top teams, but what left the deepest impression on her memory was not the matches. "What I remember most is the love from the fans who followed and supported us," she said.
On a personal level, the tournament held even deeper meaning. For the first time, Huynh Nhu could bring her parents to the stadium to watch her play on the world's biggest stage. "Seeing them in the stands is a moment I will never forget. It made me appreciate this journey even more and gave me further motivation to keep fighting.
For Huynh Nhu, returning to the Women's World Cup means much more than repeating a past achievement. "The World Cup is not just an accomplishment. It is also an inspiration for young girls to believe they can dream big."
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