Vietnam National Team's 'Secret Weapon'

The solo run from midfield into Bangladesh's net was not just a beautiful goal, but also a reaffirmation of Hai Long's value wearing the Vietnam national team jersey. Coach Kim Sang Sik has transformed Hai Long into a key player for the "Golden Star Warriors".

In Vietnam's 3-0 victory over Bangladesh on March 26th, Hai Long's goal in the 38th minute was a special highlight. It wasn't a complex coordinated play, but a sharp individual moment.

The 2000-born player received the ball near midfield, used technique to eliminate an opponent, then accelerated and skillfully handled it before unleashing a cold, angled shot. A play that combined speed, technique, and decisiveness—the qualities shaping Hai Long's brand.

Under Coach Kim Sang Sik, Hai Long has not only been given opportunities but also been "liberated" in his role. The 26-year-old player can play as a central midfielder, a winger, or even push forward as a striker.

A special point is his ability to use both feet well, helping Hai Long handle situations flexibly in tight spaces and unleash unexpected finishing shots. That makes him a player who can make a difference in a single moment. Many probably still haven't forgotten Hai Long's finish into Thailand's net in the ASEAN Cup 2024 final last year.

The 2000-born player's flourishing form didn't come randomly. Before joining the national team, he contributed to Hanoi FC's return to the championship race with a streak of 5 wins in the last 7 rounds, while also scoring 2 goals.

Counting from 2024 to now, the 2000-born midfielder has scored 6 goals for the national team. This is an impressive number for a player not considered a top name in the squad, but in fact, Hai Long has only scored 2 fewer than Xuan Son recently, a statistic far superior to many other prominent stars.

In reality, Hai Long's journey has not been smooth. Having grown from the Viettel academy but being rejected, then moving to Quang Ninh before arriving at Hanoi FC, Hai Long had to go through many hardships to affirm his position.

However, tireless effort helped this player break through. And now, at 26 years old, Hai Long is truly at the peak of his career, and Coach Kim Sang Sik knows how to use his student to benefit the collective.

It's noteworthy that in the context of the Vietnam national team possessing many standout names like Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc, or new factors like Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, Hai Long still knows how to create his own mark. The 26-year-old player isn't loud, but always appears at the right time with highly lethal handling moves.

Tien Linh being excluded from the national team's striker list this time is partly due to Hai Long's excellence and superior stability. Coach Kim Sang Sik believes the Hanoi FC player is capable of holding a wing corridor, supporting central strikers Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, or Gia Hung, so Tien Linh is not a prioritized choice as before.

Additionally, to get playing time in the starting lineup, Hai Long naturally possesses qualities highly valued by Coach Kim Sang Sik. The Korean tactician placed Hai Long on the list of selected midfielders, but essentially this player's position is a winger.

Compared to competing for a position with foreign players at Hanoi FC, Hai Long is much more liberated when joining the national team. And thus, this player can fully unleash what Coach Kim Sang Sik expects. Hai Long playing well as a winger means true strikers like Viet Cuong, Gia Hung don't get named in the starting list. Coach Kim Sang Sik essentially has up to 7 wingers in the squad currently, and getting to start partly reflects Hai Long's value.

Before the confrontation with the Malaysia national team on March 31st, Hai Long's value becomes even clearer. When the opponent tends to play disciplined, long-range shots or individual breakthrough situations will be the key. And Hai Long promises to help the team again thanks to his knack for "hunting" super goals under Coach Kim Sang Sik.