Runner-up Thailand wants to buy three Vietnamese players; Germany takes top spot in Euro qualifiers

"Xuan Truong is a smart player," said Bangkok United assistant Panupong Wongsa. "He was not successful at Buriram United because he lacked the physical strength to meet the tactical requirements of that team. Buriram always prefers muscular midfielders to overwhelm the opponent's midfield. I believe Bangkok United is the right destination for Truong. We also want Cong Phuong and Van Toan. Both are small but very agile players. Bangkok United will keep an eye on them until the next transfer window."

Bangkok United were runners-up in the 2018 Thai League 1. This is the team that Thai players such as Manuel Bihr, Tristan Do and Sanrawat Dechmitr are playing for. The Thai capital club has a good defense. In the 2018 season, they conceded the second fewest goals, behind only the defending champions Buriram United. This season, they are the team that conceded the third fewest goals, behind the two top teams Buriram United and Chiangrai United.

Bangkok United's attack relies heavily on El Salvador striker Nelson Bonilla. The 28-year-old has scored 16 goals in Thai League 1 this season, accounting for more than a third of Bangkok United's total.

Of the three players Bangkok United is keeping an eye on, Van Toan is the only one who has not yet played abroad. However, the striker from Hai Duong is in top form. He is the second highest scoring Vietnamese player in V-League 2019, with seven goals, behind only Ho Tuan Tai (SLNA) with eight goals.

Germany tops Euro qualifiers

After losing 2-4 to the Netherlands three days ago, another defeat would leave Germany six points behind Group C leaders Northern Ireland. But with the spirit of a former champion, they won on their opponent's field.

Northern Ireland (blue shirt) had many opportunities to take the lead. Photo: Reuters

After the crucial win, Germany are level on 12 points with Northern Ireland but are ahead on goal difference. The Netherlands are third on nine points, but have played a game less than the two teams above them. This means the three-way race is still in the balance. The outcome will be decided in two months, when Northern Ireland play two games against the Netherlands and the return leg in Germany.

Van Hau misses match against Ajax Amsterdam due to visa delay

After the 0-0 draw with Thailand in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Van Hau returned to Hanoi to prepare the final procedures to be able to play for SC Heerenveen. However, the defender from Thai Binh has not been able to travel to the Netherlands.

The Hanoi Club's leadership said he is waiting to apply for a work visa according to regulations. The Dutch Immigration Department has received a letter confirming the professional contract between Van Hau and SC Heerenveen.

Van Hau cannot play for Heerenveen due to procedural issues. Photo: SC Heerenveen.

The issue of work visas is issued by the Dutch Embassy in Malaysia. According to the plan, on September 9, Van Hau had a meeting to complete the procedures. However, this meeting was postponed one day according to the arrangement of the Dutch Embassy in Hanoi.