Vietnam’s Women’s World Cup breakthrough named among AFC’s nine ‘epic moments’ in fan vote

The continental tournament is set to kick off in Australia in early March, with the AFC launching a fan vote on Saturday highlighting nine landmark achievements from across the region.

Introducing the poll, the confederation asked, 'What's your favorite AFC Women's Asian Cup epic moment?'

The shortlist includes Vietnam's 2022 play-off triumph, which secured the country's first-ever berth at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

The achievement is presented under the title 'Vietnam defy the odds,' alongside eight other defining moments in Asian women's football.

In a 35-second promotional clip, the AFC revisits Vietnam's decisive goals in the play-off stage of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, which also served as Asia's qualifying tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

After exiting in the quarterfinals, Vietnam advanced to a three-team play-off against Thailand and Chinese Taipei to compete for Asia's final berth in the global tournament.

Vietnam beat Thailand 2-0 before edging Chinese Taipei 2-1 to seal their historic qualification.

The four goals, scored by Huynh Nhu and Thai Thi Thao against Thailand, and by Chuong Thi Kieu and Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy against Chinese Taipei, are prominently featured in the video.

The clip reads, 'With two decisive wins, Vietnam qualified for their first FIFA Women's World Cup. Against the odds. Against expectation. A nation announced itself on the world stage.'

The remaining moments on the shortlist include 'DPR Korea end China PR's winning streak' in 2001, 'Australia lift first title' in 2010, 'Thailand create history' in 2014, 'Japan complete trophy cabinet' in 2014, 'Back-to-back crowns for Japan' in 2018, 'Epic comebacks end China PR's long wait' in 2022, 'Korea Republic reach first final' in 2022, and 'Philippines' remarkable rise continues' in 2022.

Voting will close on February 20, just over a week before the tournament gets underway.

At this year's edition, Vietnam have been drawn in Group C alongside Japan, India, and Chinese Taipei.

The Vietnamese women will open their campaign against India on March 4.