HAGL avoids defeat in the 100th minute, coach praises Dinh Quang Kiet.

In the 10th minute of added time (100th minute, according to the source), Dinh Quang Kiet scored his first V-League goal, helping HAGL secure a point against Da Nang in round 11. It wasn't a typical header from the 1.95m tall center-back; the equalizer came from a quick run into the penalty area and a swift finish.

A well-timed attack saved HAGL from defeat in round 11.

With HAGL facing the risk of a defeat, Quang Kiet chose the right moment to step into the penalty area and unleash a shot. The situation showed that the 1.95m tall center-back is not only strong in aerial duels but also knows how to exploit space in the penalty box – a quality that was highlighted immediately after the match.

Coach Le Quang Trai emphasizes exploiting physical strength and open spaces.

Speaking after the match, head coach Le Quang Trai said: “Dinh Quang Kiet's goal can be seen as the result of our working sessions. In the coaching staff's analysis, he possesses good height, and I instructed Quang Kiet to make full use of his physique and exploit the spaces on the field. I hope that Quang Kiet will continue to develop his abilities and contribute well to the Vietnam U23 team in the future.”

The coach also reiterated HAGL's training philosophy: prioritizing mindset and technique. However, the team currently possesses players with outstanding physiques such as Dinh Quang Kiet and goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien. "We are very fortunate to have players like them. Hopefully, these two will contribute to the Vietnamese national team and the U23 Vietnamese team," he said.

Height has become a tactical advantage for HAGL.

Quang Kiet's goal didn't come from a high ball, but it was the muscle, stride, and positioning of a 1.95m tall center-back that made the difference in an instant. When the opponent retreated deep to defend their advantage, a late run from the back line could break down their defensive structure – perfectly in line with the coaching staff's instruction to "exploit space."

Vietnam U23 and HAGL's "two towers"

In this training camp, the Vietnam U23 team has two players over 1.9m tall at the same time, both from HAGL: goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien (1.91m) and center-back Dinh Quang Kiet (1.95m). According to sources, this is the first time in history that the Vietnam U23 team has had two players over 1.9m tall called up simultaneously. Previously, Quang Kiet was dubbed the tallest center-back when he was called up to the national team at the end of August.

Consistent appearances in the V-League and his recent first goal have boosted the central defender's standing in the competition for a starting spot in the Vietnam U23 team – exactly as expected by the HAGL coaching staff.

The numbers are noteworthy.

• Minute of goal: 10th minute of added time (100th minute, according to source).
• Goal: Dinh Quang Kiet's first goal in the V-League.
• Height: Dinh Quang Kiet 1.95 m; Tran Trung Kien 1.91 m.
• Match: HAGL drew with Da Nang in round 11.
• Vietnam U23: For the first time, two players taller than 1.9m have been called up at the same time (according to source).

Immediate impact and career advancement

The late goal helped HAGL avoid defeat and reinforced confidence in their balanced development between technical and physical skills. For Dinh Quang Kiet personally, the moment in the 100th minute was a memorable milestone: it not only affirmed his role at the club but also opened up an opportunity to contribute to the Vietnam U23 team, as expected by coach Le Quang Trai.