Thanh Nhã points out the key to helping the Vietnamese women's national team reach new heights at the 2026 Asian Cup.
Striker Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha emphasized that determination and mental fortitude are crucial factors after the training camp in China, in preparation for the upcoming continental goals.
Following a training camp and friendly matches in Shenzhen (China), striker Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha learned valuable lessons about the level of Vietnamese women's football. To make a breakthrough at the 2026 Asian Cup Finals, fierce competition and strong mental fortitude are considered crucial factors.
The benchmark from top-tier matches in Shenzhen.
The two training matches against the Chinese women's team were not simply opportunities for professional practice, but also a chance for the coaching staff to clearly identify the gap with top opponents in the continent. Thanh Nha, who scored the only goal for Vietnam in this series of matches, affirmed that the opponent's fast-paced playing style and strong physical contact created immense pressure.
According to the striker born in 2001, any lack of concentration, even for just a moment, can lead to an immediate disadvantage."China possesses the technology and, in particular, the capability for extremely powerful collisions."Thanh Nhã commented: This requires Vietnamese players to increase their intensity of play and their ability to withstand pressure when stepping onto the international stage.
Strategy for preparing for continental objectives
Besides assessing skill levels, this training camp also provides an opportunity for coach Mai Duc Chung to test personnel and give opportunities to young talents. Facing strong teams helps the entire team clearly identify limitations in physical fitness and tactical thinking. These practical experiences will form the basis for the coaching staff to find the optimal strategy for the important tournament in March.
Notably, the goal against China was not only a personal achievement but also a morale boost for Thanh Nha. She set herself the goal of being more decisive and confident in every ball handling. This message of "decisiveness" is now becoming the guiding principle for Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team during their preparation.
Overall, to realize their dream on the continental stage, Vietnamese women's football needs a transformation in terms of mental strength and physical fitness. The experiences from the trip to Shenzhen will be important preparation for the Vietnamese women's team to aim for new achievements at the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.
