Van Truong's injury raises concerns for Vietnam U22 team at SEA Games 33.
The Cong Viettel team requests foreign referees for their match against CAHN; the Vietnamese national team receives a boost in morale in Vientiane, holding their final training session before the second leg of Group F in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers; Ho Chi Minh City women's club receives $220,000 for reaching the quarterfinals.
In the 70th minute against U22 South Korea, Nguyen Van Truong suffered a serious collision and had to be taken off the field by ambulance. The 0-1 defeat at the Panda Cup 2025 in China therefore not only affected the professional result but also left a major concern for U22 Vietnam's SEA Games 33 campaign.
Vietnam U22: Nguyen Van Truong suffers a shocking injury.
According to information from the tournament, the incident occurred during a fierce challenge by Van Truong, resulting in a serious injury. He was immediately taken to the hospital by ambulance. This is considered the most significant loss for the Vietnam U22 team after the Panda Cup 2025 friendly tournament.
With the 33rd SEA Games fast approaching, the loss of a key star disrupts personnel plans and the competition structure. This risk forces the coaching staff to reconsider rotation strategies and squad depth, especially in positions that rely on creativity in the attacking line.
The Cong Viettel proposes inviting foreign referees to the National Cup.
The Cong Viettel has sent a letter to VPF and VFF to invite a foreign referee to officiate the match against CAHN Club in the Round of 16 of the 2025/2026 National Cup.
A representative of the team stated that using foreign referees in important matches helps reduce pressure on the domestic team, increases transparency, and creates positive public opinion, thereby enhancing the professional image of the league in the eyes of fans and international media.
In a knockout match, mentality and on-court decisions often determine the outcome. This proposal reflects the need for high standards of officiating, allowing all parties to focus on pure professionalism.
Vietnam national team before kick-off match against Laos
Rekindling the flame in Vientiane
On behalf of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, Counselor Phan Minh Chien welcomed the team in Vientiane ahead of their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match against Laos. He extended his best wishes for their health, expressed confidence in their fighting spirit, and mentioned that the large Vietnamese community in Vientiane would be at the stadium to cheer them on the evening of November 19th.
The final training session
On the evening of November 18th, the Vietnamese national team completed their final training session in Vientiane with all 23 players present. The training intensity was adjusted to a moderate level, focusing on tactical coordination drills to ensure fitness for the match at 7 PM on November 19th.
Given the packed schedule, controlling the workload in the penultimate training session is crucial to keeping players in top form right from the start of the second leg of Group F.
Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club: Ready to face Melbourne City FC, aiming for $220,000 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Coach Nguyen Hong Pham congratulated Melbourne City FC on securing their place in the next round early and praised their strong physical condition, physique, and resilient playing style. Despite having already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, the Ho Chi Minh City women's club remains cautious, carefully studying their opponent and developing a suitable tactical plan.
The team can adjust its personnel as the game progresses, giving young players a chance to gain experience. Two key players, Huỳnh Như and Thùy Trang, are recovering well and are likely to be fit to play.
Financially, the Ho Chi Minh City women's club received a total of $220,000 from the AFC (approximately VND 5.8 billion): including $100,000 for the group stage, $40,000 from two wins, and $80,000 for reaching the quarterfinals. This prize money is an important foundation for investing in professional development and team building.
Overview of November 19th
- Vietnam U22 lost 0-1 to South Korea U22 at the Panda Cup 2025; Nguyen Van Truong suffered a serious injury and was hospitalized by ambulance.
- The Cong Viettel has requested a foreign referee for their match against CAHN FC in the Round of 16 of the 2025/2026 National Cup.
- The Vietnamese national team received encouragement from the Embassy in Vientiane, concluding their final training session with 23 players before their match against Laos (7 PM on November 19th) in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
- The Ho Chi Minh City women's club is ready to face Melbourne City FC, aiming for a quarter-final spot and a prize of $220,000.
