Korean newspaper praises coach Park highly; Chinese football is about to have a huge change after losing to Vietnam

President praises National Women's Football Team

On the evening of February 2, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised and congratulated Coach Mai Duc Chung, the coaching staff and players of the Vietnam Women's National Football Team, after winning 2-0 against the Thai team, in the play-off round for a ticket to the 2023 Women's World Cup.

The President praised the female players for having to be away from their families during the Lunar New Year to compete in India. Despite having to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, maintaining their form and determination, playing their hearts out and winning convincingly against the Thai team. This was also the first victory in the play-off round to determine the fifth Asian ticket to the 2023 Women's World Cup.

The Vietnamese women's football team won convincingly against the Thai team. Photo: AFC

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized that the victory of the women's football team on the second day of Tet, right after the victory of the men's football team on the first day of Tet, has made the joy of football fans nationwide even more complete right from the first days of the new spring.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc sent the best New Year wishes to the coaching staff and players of the women's football team, wishing the team to continue to maintain their form and determination, compete with all their might to achieve the best results in the next matches, not to disappoint the expectations of fans nationwide, and at the same time make Vietnamese women's football shine not only in Asia but also in larger arenas.

Korean newspaper praises Mr. Park Hang-seo

Many Korean newspapers have praised coach Park Hang-seo after the Vietnamese team's 3-1 victory over China in the final round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.

The match took place on the evening of February 1 at My Dinh National Stadium. The Vietnamese team caused a shock when they took a 3-goal lead. China only managed to score a consolation goal in the final minute of extra time.

“Mr. Park Hang-seo once again showed his magic. The Vietnamese team defeated China to have their first victory in the final round of the World Cup qualifiers,” wrote Joongang newspaper.

This newspaper said that this was a historic victory for the Vietnamese team. Before that, Mr. Park's team had lost all 7 consecutive matches in the final qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in Asia. The defeat against Vietnam ended China's dream of participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Vietnamese team had a historic victory over China on New Year's Day. Photo: Nhu Y

Meanwhile, Chosun newspaper reported that although he could not help the Vietnamese team win a ticket to the World Cup finals, coach Park Hang-seo helped the team set a record as the first Southeast Asian team to win in this round.

“This is the first time the Vietnamese team has defeated China. This victory is not enough to help Vietnam qualify for the World Cup, but coach Park Hang-seo has made history and at the same time boosted the players’ confidence,” Chosun commented. Another newspaper, NHNE, commented that the Vietnamese team has once again made history under coach Park Hang-seo.

"This is a valuable victory for the Vietnamese team after losing 7 previous matches" - NHNE wrote.

With a 3-1 defeat of China,Vietnam teamhas added 15.5 points, returning to the top 100 on the FIFA rankings. In the last two matches, the Vietnamese team will meet Oman and Japan respectively.

Strange clause in Aubameyang's contract with Barca

On the afternoon of February 2 (Hanoi time), Barcelona announced the successful recruitment of striker Aubameyang.

After reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed a contract with Barcelona until June 2025 with a release clause worth 100 million euros.

Interestingly, "Blaugrana" also added a clause that both parties have the right to agree to terminate the contract on June 30, 2023. In case Aubameyang is not suitable for the team, he will be able to leave at the end of the next season without any obstacles.

"It's an honor to wear the Barca shirt. I will try my best to help the team," said the former Arsenal captain.

Forward Aubameyang.

According to Marca, Aubameyang has also accepted a significant pay cut to play at Camp Nou. Previously, he received a salary of £340,000 per week at Arsenal.

"Aubameyang possesses impressive speed and a keen sense of goal. The Gabonese striker has scored more than 300 goals in his career and is one of the best scorers of the past decade. Aubameyang can play in any position on the attack. His height of 1.87 m does not affect his acceleration and power," Marca commented.

Aubameyang has been training with his new teammates since February 1. He could be given a chance in the big match against Atletico Madrid this weekend.

Chinese football is about to have a huge change after losing to Vietnam

Chinese Football Association President Chen Xuyuan is likely to be dismissed, and coach Li Xiaopeng will also lose his job after the 1-3 defeat to Vietnam.

News.QQ posted important information related to the Chinese team on the morning of February 2 right after the 1-3 defeat to Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium on the first day of the Lunar New Year 2022.

According to sources close to the Chinese Football Association (CFA), it is likely that CFA President Chen Xuyuan and coach Li Xiaopeng will both be fired.

News.QQ reported that the General Administration of Sports of China plans to send a "special working group" to directly manage the country's football, including activities at the CFA, replacing the current leadership team.

Coach Li Xiaopeng (left) was sad after the 1-3 defeat against the Vietnamese team.

Also according to the Chinese newspaper, the humiliating 1-3 defeat at My Dinh on the evening of February 1 caused "deep shock" and "extreme anger" for all Chinese football fans.

This defeat was the last straw, forcing the Chinese sports industry to make a drastic reform. Mr. Chen Xuyuan and coach Li Xiaopeng were the first to leave.