VIETNAM WOMEN UPBEAT AHEAD OF QUALIFIERS

HANOI (6 March, 2008) – The several defeats in their recent tour of China has not dampened the spirit of the Vietnam women’s football team for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers this month.

Vietnam have been placed in a tough Group A alongside Asean champions Myanmar, Chinese Taipei and Iran and where they will clash at the Thanh Long Sports Complex Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on 24-28 March, 2008.

Group B are Thailand, Korea Republic, Philippines and Malaysia with their qualifying venue being the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium in Korat, Thailand.

Only the top two teams from each group will make the final round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2008 which is to be held from 28 May – 8 June, 2008 in Malaysia.

“In spite of the defeats (during the 10-day training in Kunming City), the team has made a lot of progress,” said Chinese-born coach Chen Yun Fat.