Young player of Hanoi Police is included in the key group of Vietnam National Team; Cong Phuong gives Coach Troussier a headache

Young Hanoi Police player is included in the key group of the Vietnam National Team

Hoang Van Toan, a young player of Hanoi Police, became one of the three rare faces of U23 Vietnam selected to be in the key group of the Vietnam National Team during training. Notably, this was also the last training session before Coach Troussier selected the list of 24-27 players for the Vietnam National Team to compete with Hong Kong (China).

As one of the few U23 Vietnam players to train with the seniors in group 1, player Hoang Van Toan said: “This is the first time I have trained with the U23 and Vietnam national teams. Coach Troussier has taught and guided me from passing the ball to choosing the right time to pass. At first, I had some difficulty and confusion. But then, I began to understand his philosophy. Indeed, the level of competition in the Vietnam national team is very high.”

Cong Phuong gives coach Troussier a headache

Striker Nguyen Cong Phuong is one of two cases that make coach Philippe Troussier worried. In addition, Cong Phuong's physical condition and preparation are not really good, in the context that coach Troussier is preparing to divide the group and shorten the list of the Vietnam national team.

Cong Phuong suffered a recent injury at Yokohama FC.

Because unlike Quang Hai, Cong Phuong and Van Toan joined the Vietnam national team too close to the time the team played a friendly match with Hong Kong (China) on June 15. Therefore, assessing the physical condition and performance of this duo must rely heavily on what they have experienced at their home clubs.

Haaland can't steal the Ballon d'Or from Messi even if he wins 3

Erling Haaland has just completed a dream debut season with Man City. The Norwegian striker won the treble and set a series of scoring records. But that was not enough for him to surpass Lionel Messi in the race for the Ballon d'Or.

Since last year's award, France Football has started counting players' achievements for club and country in a season, instead of a whole calendar year. This new rule has unintentionally put Haaland at a disadvantage compared to Messi. Because while his Norwegian team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in the middle of the 2022/23 season, Argentina won the title in Qatar with El Pulga's strong mark.

Haaland has lost when it comes to his national team achievements. The 22-year-old striker may have completely outscored Messi in terms of goals scored at club level (52 goals compared to 21 goals). But in terms of importance or contribution to both club and national team, the Argentine star (38 goals, 25 assists) is not inferior to his junior (53 goals, 9 assists).

Duy Manh: "Opportunities will be shared equally for all"

Center back Duy Manh - who has been in the national team since 2016 until now and has gone through 3 coaches before Philippe Troussier took over - still maintains his desire: "I think each time we gather, it will have different meanings. I am still excited every time I am called up to the team. I want to try my best, contribute my ability to make a good impression on the coaching staff."

Duy Manh continued: “The fact that U23 and Vietnam national team can practice together on the same field under the guidance of Coach Troussier is a good experience. The players will have to try their best on the field. I know that the opportunities will be shared equally for everyone. The U23 Vietnam players will learn something and try to gain experience in competition. As for us, as the older brothers, we will share with the younger players.”