Commentary by the Thai press and the strange coincidence.

Despite playing only 21 matches for champions Hanoi FC, Van Hau still won the Best Young Player award in V-League 2019. The Vietnamese national team defender, Doan Van Hau, was among the top 3 players nominated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the "Best Young Player" award.

The Thais are shrewd.

Accordingly, Van Hau will have to compete with Hiroki Abe (Japan) and Lee Kang-in (South Korea) for the AFC award. Abe, 20 years old, rose through the ranks of Kashima Antlers and is currently playing for Barca B. Lee, 18 years old, progressed from Valencia's youth team and is a member of the first team of the Mestalla Stadium club. According to AFC regulations, the "Outstanding Young Player" award is given to talented players who demonstrate their skills in AFC or FIFA competitions. Van Hau is the only representative from Vietnam to be nominated for the award, which will be presented in Hong Kong on December 2nd.

Van Hau has been shortlisted among the top 3 players nominated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the "Outstanding Young Player" award. Photo: Trung Kien

In the match at My Dinh Stadium, defender Van Hau had the opportunity to face midfielder E. Punya, who was voted Man of the Match in the recent game against UAE. E. Punya is a left midfielder, small in stature but with a very tricky dribbling style, often confidently penetrating the opponent's central midfield flank.

With Van Hau's presence, the left flank of the Vietnamese national team became more solid. Furthermore, Van Hau also served as a fast counter-attacking threat, especially in situations where the opponent was constantly pressing him. With Bunmathan playing quite effectively on the right flank, Trong Hoang didn't participate in attacks as much as in the previous match.

This is a match where the three attacking midfielders S. Sarachart (7), C. Songkrasin (18), E. Punya (8) were frequently allowed to switch positions by Mr. A. Nishino. All three are left-footed, participating in creating chances, harassing opponents, and ready to unleash powerful shots like hammer blows. In the first leg, playing center forward S. Sarachart tormented Tien Dung and goalkeeper Van Lam, almost scoring a goal at the end of the match.

3 memorable moments

In the 28th minute, Van Hau made contact with center-back Manuel Bihr; the push wasn't strong, but it was enough to cause the naturalized Thai player to fall to the ground. Naturally, Vietnam was awarded a penalty, and Bunmathan took it for Thailand. However, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, despite diving, managed to use his foot to successfully block the shot.

Goalkeeper Van Lam had to make several crucial saves. (Photo: Trung Kien)

Three minutes later, the Vietnamese home team scored from a corner kick on the right wing. This time, center-back Bui Tien Dung rose high to finish. Unfortunately, the Omani referee disallowed the goal because Doan Van Hau had fouled goalkeeper Kawin inside the 5.5-meter box. However, many referees and experts believe this was a valid goal, as Van Hau did not foul the Thai goalkeeper.

Ten minutes earlier, Coach Park had brought on Cong Phuong to replace Hung Dung, and Vietnam's midfield was constantly exploited by the opposing team. Clearly, on a day when they weren't in top form, Tuan Anh was neutralized by Phitiwat and Yooyen, and Quang Hai, playing as a central midfielder, lacked the stamina to keep up with the opposition.

In the final minutes of the match, the Thai players relentlessly besieged Van Lam's goal with both long-range shots and attacks down the flanks, as well as one-touch passing combinations in the 16.5-meter area. In a sophisticated combination play inside the Vietnamese penalty box, the Thai players had a chance to shoot.

The first shot was saved by goalkeeper Dang Van Lam's diving save. When the ball rebounded, a Thai player rushed in for the follow-up shot. Not in the best standing position, lying on the ground, Doan Van Hau bravely used his head and chest to block a powerful shot from opposing player Narubadin. This was an extremely dangerous situation; if right-back Narubadin's boot had gone too far, Van Hau could have suffered a serious injury.

Van Hau's courage

This play showcased the composure of the SC Heerenveen defender, earning high praise from regional sports journalists. It will undoubtedly be a significant plus in the eyes of coach Park Hang-seo and the SC Heerenveen coaching staff, winning the hearts of the fans.

With the energy of 20 years old, and training in a good environment at SC Heerenveen, this national team defender will surely go even further. Ahead of him is the SEA Games 30, where Van Hau will meet S. Sarachart (7) and E. Punya (8) again.