Doan Van Hau returns

Alongside Van Hau, the squad also includes defenders Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Tran Dinh Trong, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, and goalkeeper Nguyen Filip.

Enough to make a difference

At Hanoi Police FC, Van Hau and Cao Pendant Quang Vinh bring two different styles to the game when tasked with guarding the flanks. This duo, with their extensive international experience, always prioritize safety in defense and are top candidates for the starting lineup of the Vietnamese national team this time.

Doan Van Hau – a top full-back in Vietnamese football – once faced a difficult situation due to a long period away from the pitch because of injury. His perseverance helped him return to playing, and this comeback has sparked great excitement among Vietnamese football fans. With a physique and playing qualities comparable to foreign players from Europe, the 26-year-old from Thai Binh always makes opponents wary whenever they face him.

Đoàn Văn Hậu trở lại - Ảnh 1. — Doan Van Hau and Dinh Trong (right) are eager to contribute after being called up to the Vietnam national team. (Photo: CAHN Club)

Returning after a serious injury, Van Hau no longer displays the image of a winger with relentless bursts of speed as before, but instead chooses a calmer style of play. This restraint makes each of Van Hau's attacking moves more calculated. Crosses and pressing situations are not as frequent as before, but they are enough to make a difference.

The "iron" central defensive duo

Besides the notable return of Van Hau, fans are also placing their hopes on players like Quang Vinh, Viet Anh, and Dinh Trong in the Vietnamese national team's defense this time around.

Quang Vinh – a Vietnamese-born player from Ligue 2 (French Second Division) – brings positive energy with his agility, physical strength, and tendency to push forward. Quang Vinh is not afraid of physical contact in challenges, confidently showcasing his individual skills to dribble past opponents, create chances, or take shots. Fans also place their faith in the "iron" central defensive duo of Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Tran Dinh Trong, who will build a solid wall protecting goalkeeper Nguyen Filip's goal.

Bui Hoang Viet Anh has the physique of a modern center-back with a tall, strong build when challenging for the ball. Meanwhile, Dinh Trong is the quiet type of center-back, highly effective and very discreet in his play. He doesn't engage in excessive challenges or rush forward aggressively, but Dinh Trong always chooses his position, maintains his distance, and intervenes at the right time.

Always stand in the right place

For Nguyen Filip, the sense of security he brings doesn't come from spectacular diving saves, but from always being in the right place. In tense V-League matches, situations like an early movement, a quick dive... are sure-fire saves. Nguyen Filip's strength lies in his ability to control the 16.5-meter area, preventing the game from getting out of control. A good goalkeeper isn't just someone who makes saves, but someone who makes opponents hesitate before they shoot. That's the quality that helps Nguyen Filip consistently hold the number one goalkeeper position at his club.

Currently in good form at CAHN Club, experts expect Nguyen Filip to shine this time, putting behind him his previous inconsistent performances in goal for the Vietnamese national team.

The Vietnamese national team will assemble on March 21st and will play a friendly match against Bangladesh on March 26th, before facing Malaysia again at Thien Truong Stadium in the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup on March 31st.