Coach Kim Sang-sik eyes a naturalized foreign player; Spain enters Nations League semi-finals
Left-back Jason Quang Vinh Pendant, who has just officially become a Vietnamese citizen, is being watched by Kim Sang-sik; Spain won 5-4 in the penalty shootout... That's the sports news in the past 24 hours.
U22 Vietnam almost created an earthquake against Uzbekistan
Despite being underestimated, U22 Vietnam still had an impressive draw against U22 Uzbekistan at the CFA Team China 2025 international friendly tournament, which took place on the evening of March 23.
Facing an opponent superior in terms of physique and physical strength, coach Dinh Hong Vinh let his players play slowly on their home field to wait for the opportunity to counterattack.
Despite facing many difficulties due to the opponent's pressing style, U22 Vietnam still stood firm.
Even the team led by coach Dinh Hong Vinh had opportunities to score but could not take advantage.
On the opposite side, U22 Uzbekistan, despite attacking very proactively, could not penetrate the tight defense of U22 Vietnam.
In the end, the match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Uzbekistan ended with a score of 0-0.
With this result, U22 Vietnam temporarily ranked second with 2 points, equal in points and goal difference with U22 Uzbekistan but ranked higher thanks to the number of goals.
Coach Kim Sang-sik is interested in a naturalized foreign player.
Left-back Jason Quang Vinh Pendant, a player of French origin, has just officially become a Vietnamese citizen in early 2025. He is a name that has been mentioned a lot by experts throughout the past year, not only because of his professional ability, but also because of his seriousness in integrating and contributing to the country's football. He is the name that coach Kim Sang-sik is paying attention to.
Jason Quang Vinh Pendant, formerly known as Jason Pendant, completed the naturalization process not only as a personal achievement, but also as an effort from the Hanoi Police Club, where he is currently playing. This club proactively promoted the legal process right after recruiting the player born in 1997 from Ligue 2.
In the context of Doan Van Hau not being able to return after a long-term injury, the appearance of a defender with experience playing in Europe and the US like Quang Vinh immediately made a difference. After half a season, he started almost all matches in the V-League, National Cup and even regional tournaments - something that few foreign players or overseas Vietnamese can do in their first season.
Jason Quang Vinh Pendant's playing record is quite impressive: he grew up in the Sochaux (France) training center, scored in the National Cup, moved to play in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) with the New York Red Bulls, then returned to France and played a key role at Quevilly Rouen.
Modern thinking, good technique and abundant physical strength make Quang Vinh an ideal option for the full-back position - which is currently lacking depth in the Vietnamese national team.
Ronaldo angry with reporter
During the press conference before the rematch with Denmark, Ronaldo vented his anger at reporters: "Honestly, I feel that some questions are very disrespectful. If you really want an answer from me, look at me when you ask. There is no reason to ask me and then look down at your computer. You have enough time to do that later. If necessary, I will say it 10 times."
Spain into Nations League semi-finals after penalty shootout
In the early morning of March 24, Spain drew 3-3 with the Netherlands, then won 5-4 in the penalty shootout in the second leg of the Nations League quarter-finals.
The two teams drew 4-4 after two matches, and then had to decide the winner in extra time. The home team's youth helped make the difference. In the 103rd minute, Dean Huijsen made a long pass for Lamine Yamal to escape. The young star born in 2007 calmly handled the ball to get past the defender, before shooting with his left foot, sending the ball straight into the top corner of the goal, giving goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen no chance to block it.
Spain had the advantage but lost it due to a mistake in defense. In the 109th minute, goalkeeper Unai Simon made a mistake, allowing Xavi Simons to score the equalizer 3-3 in the second leg for the Netherlands from the penalty spot.
5-5 was the score after two matches. Spain and the Netherlands went to a penalty shootout. Spain won 5-4 in the penalty shootout, thereby winning a ticket to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League. This is the third consecutive season that "La Roja" has been in the top 4 strongest teams in the UEFA Cup tournament.
