Nguyen Quang Hai celebrates after scoring his life-time goal ‘Rainbow in the Snow' during the 2018 AFC Asian U23 Cup. Hải is one the tournament's top 10 talents. (Photo: bongdadoisong.vn) "Many of those who have stood out for their countries overthe years have gone on to become key performers for their senior national teamsand represent some of the biggest clubs in Asia and beyond," said the AFCreport.
Midfielder Hai was one of the most successful players in Vietnam'ssquad at the 2018 tournament in Changzhou, China, where Vietnam made its bestever result at a continental competition, finishing at second place.
"It’s not often a goal gets a name of its own but Vietnam'syoungster Nguyen Quang Hai’s magnificent free kick against Uzbekistan in the2018 final has that honour after coming to be known as the ‘Rainbow in theSnow’. Even though the Southeast Asians narrowly missed out on the title, thetournament showcased Hai's talent to the world," the website reads.
"Hai notched up five goals in Vietnam’s historic run to thefinal, including a brace against the United Arab Emirates in a thrillingsemi-final, and went on to be named the MVP when Park Hang-seo’s side overcameMalaysia to win the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Cup in 2018. He also playedan instrumental role when the Golden Star Warriors made it to the final eightof the 2019 AFC Asian Cup."
Not only shining internationally, Hai was also key member of HanoiFC, helping the club to win national premier league titles in2018, 2019 and 2022, the National Cupin 2019, 2020, 2022 and the Super Cupin 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022, although in the 2022 seasonhe played only half time before moving to Pau FC in the French Ligue 2.
Returning to Vietnam last year, he signed a contract withdefending champions Hanoi Police. After a short time struggling to find hisform, Hai is now the best local scorer with six goals in V-League 1 after 15rounds.
Other players honoured by the AFC include forward TakumaAsano of Japan, right winger Suphanat Mueanta of Thailand,striker Firas Al-Buraikan of Saudi Arabia, midfielder Lee Kang In ofSouth Korea and left winger Akram Afif of Qatar.
At this year's cup, Vietnam will play in Group D with Kuwait,Uzbekistan and Malaysia.
The AFC took an in-depth look at the teams and predicted Vietnamto have opportunity to enter the next round.
"Led by the impressive Nguyen Quang Hai, Vietnam went closeto becoming the first Southeast Asian team to win the competition when theyreached the final in 2018, only to be outdone by Uzbekistan in extratime," it posted.
"Vietnam qualified for the Finals after topping Group C withseven points. Initial wins against Guam (6-0) and Yemen (1-0) meant that theGolden Star Warriors secured their passage with a game to spare, before amuch-changed side drew 2-2 with Singapore in their final match.
"With seven national team players including Nguyen ThaiSon and Khuat Van Khang in the squad, Vietnam will be stronger contenders for aspot in the knockout stage."
The Vietnamese team are not given any mission at this tournament.However, coach Hoang Anh Tuan set it himself.
"Actually, the Vietnam Football Federation and Ipersonally always have goals before each tournament. However, in this difficulttime, VFF does not place heavy responsibility on us, asking us to play as bestas possible," said Tuan.
"VFF does not set goal, but we want to set it ourselves. Wewill play with highest determination and great effort to at least get throughthe group stage."/.
VNA
