The Asian Football Confederation said in a post on Wednesday that Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai "took the AFC Cup by storm," and the closely-fought 3-2 victory in the first leg at Hanoi's Hang Day Stadium was where "he truly showed his full ability." Hai's 41st minute free-kick had Altyn Asyr "on their feet," it said, calling his second goal in the 61st minute "stellar." He had dribbled past three defenders to curl the ball into the net with his left foot. Substitute Nguyen Van Quyet's winning penalty kick "ensured Hanoi FC fans could go home with a smile on their face" on August 20. Vietnamese club's winning match named among top 5 in AFC Cup Hà Nội - Altyn Asyr Other dramatic combacks and thrilling and stunning performances that made the AFC's list are Kitchee SC 2-4 Wofoo Tai Po (Group I), Persija Jakarta 2-3 Ceres Negros (Group G), Al Jazeera 4-0 Al Jaish (West Asia zone semi-final second-leg), Abahani Limited Dhaka 4-3 4.25 SC (Interzone semi-final … [Read more...] about Vietnamese club’s winning match named among top 5 in AFC Cup
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Defender trouble plagues Hanoi FC ahead of AFC Cup interzone semis
Their mainstay at the back, national player Do Duy Manh, suffered a minor injury in a V. League game and his participation is in doubt. The other center-backs, Dinh Tien Thanh and Dau Van Toan, are already out with injuries. Doan Van Hau, who can play at both center-back and left-back, damaged a knee in a league game and is out for five weeks. Right-back Tran Van Kien has also had problems with a foot. Head coach Chu Dinh Nghiem admitted to being concerned at the pre-match press conference. "What I’m worried about most right now is that players are burning out and [will be exhausted] for the game." "Two-thirds of the team are burning out. Pape Omar is having an ankle issue. I have talked with Duy Manh to see if he can play. We have no more centre-backs left. Manh can play, but not for 90 minutes." The team’s injury problems are not only at the back. Striker and captain Nguyen Van Quyet is not sure about taking the field either. Hanoi FC seems set for a hard time despite … [Read more...] about Defender trouble plagues Hanoi FC ahead of AFC Cup interzone semis
V.League 2018 expected to be a success
The tournament this year goes with the official name of Nuti Cafe V.League 2018. In preparation for the tournament, the organisation board has upgraded football fields and increased security to ensure safety for spectators as well as players. The organisers have also set the time of the matches at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm to lure more spectators to the stadiums as well as attract viewers on television. The tournament brings together 14 clubs across the country, which will compete in 26 rounds with 182 matches, and will conclude on October 6. The champions will walk home with a prize worth VND 3 billion (US$131,730), while the runners-up receive half of that amount and the third-place team earn VND750 million (about US$33,000). Last year, Quang Nam played remarkably well to defeat title favourites such as FLC Thanh Hoa and Hanoi FC to take home the trophy for the first time. … [Read more...] about V.League 2018 expected to be a success
Nguyen Quang Hai’s star may yet shine at SEA Games
Doctor Tran Anh Tuan told the press on Friday morning, ahead of team practice at Rizal Memorial Stadium, that medical staff are trying to speed up Hai's recovery but won't rush the process. "We are trying our best to shorten the two-week recovery period so he could make his comeback. Coaching staff won't force him to play unless he's fully ready," he said. The doctor denied rumors Hai sustained multiple injuries after colliding with Singaporean center back Irfan bin Fandi in the Tuesday match. "Test results show torn muscles in his left thigh. What he needs is medicine, physiotherapy and exercise to recover." Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai collides with Singaporean center back Irfan bin Fandi during a SEA Games football match in the Philippines, December 3, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong. Hai has participated in all major football tournaments this year, including the AFC Champions League's qualifiers, the AFC Cup, the V-League, the World Cup 2022's qualifiers and SEA … [Read more...] about Nguyen Quang Hai’s star may yet shine at SEA Games
SEA Games: Injury puts Vietnam star midfielder in doubt for remaining matches
Hai, the nation’s star midfielder, has torn muscles in his left thigh, doctors in Manila said Wednesday. He may have to retire from this year’s SEA Games altogether for his recovery, the national team’s coaching staff said. Hai was injured during the match against Singapore Tuesday, after a collision with Singaporean centre back Irfan bin Fandi. He was escorted out of the field for a medical check-up, and replaced by midfielder Do Hung Dung in the 22nd minute. Hai has participated in all major football tournaments this year, including the AFC Champions League’s qualifiers, the AFC Cup, the V-League, the World Cup 2022’s qualifiers and SEA Games, playing a total of 50 games. Vietnam won its last football match against Singapore by a solitary goal Tuesday night. They had beaten Brunei 6-0, Laos 6-1, and Indonesia 2-1 earlier. In their last Group B match, Vietnam will play arch rivals Thailand Thursday. Vietnamese men aim to win their first ever SEA Games … [Read more...] about SEA Games: Injury puts Vietnam star midfielder in doubt for remaining matches