Hot Vietnamese football news today, August 2: Press conference before Vietnam vs. Indonesia; CA TP.HCM recruits Dutch center-back

Top Vietnamese football news for August 2: Pre-match press conference for Vietnam vs. Indonesia; CA TP.HCM brings in a Dutch center-back.

Press conference before Vietnam vs. Indonesia match

At 4:45 PM today, head coach Kim Sang Sik and a player from the Vietnam national team will attend the press conference ahead of the match against hosts Indonesia in the fourth round of Group A of the 2026 Asean Cup.

Afterward, the Vietnam players will have a training session to familiarize themselves with the Pakansari stadium, which is their only practice before facing Indonesia.

The match between Vietnam and Indonesia will take place at Pakansari Stadium at 8:30 PM on August 3, a crucial showdown in the race for top positions in Group A.

Following a 0-0 draw with Singapore, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team are aiming for the best possible result in this challenging away trip.

The Group A standings after three matches have become extremely tense, with Singapore leading with 7 points from three games, Indonesia second with 6 points from two wins, and Vietnam third with 4 points from two matches, currently outside the semi-final qualification spots.

Da Nang wins the National Beach Soccer Championship

On the afternoon of August 1, at the Quy Nhon beach soccer field (Gia Lai), Da Nang Club defeated Hue Time Square 3-1 in the final to claim the 2026 National Beach Soccer Championship title.

Da Nang quickly showed superiority in play and finishing ability. The Han River team continuously applied pressure, scoring three goals to build a safe lead before Hue Time Square pulled one back in the 35th minute through Nguyen Anh Quang, making it 1-3.

Da Nang's championship was thoroughly convincing as the team and coaching staff maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament.

After topping the group stage with three consecutive wins, Da Nang defeated Tai Ngan Quy Nhon 5-1 in the semifinals before beating Hue Time Square in the final.

In the third-place match, Tai Ngan Quy Nhon edged past Tay Ninh with a tight 7-6 score to claim the bronze medal. Closing the season, Da Nang deservedly took the crown thanks to their consistent form and impressive performance on their path to the title.

CA TP.HCM recruits Dutch center-back

Club Cong An TP.HCM has officially announced the signing of Dutch center-back Dirk Abels to strengthen their squad for the 2026/27 season.

This addition is expected to bolster their defense as they compete on three fronts: V.League, National Cup, and ASEAN Club Championship.

Dirk Abels, born in 1997, stands at 1.86m and brings extensive experience from European football. In the 2025/26 season, the 29-year-old defender played for Grasshopper Club Zurich in the Swiss Super League, making 31 appearances and becoming a regular choice in their backline.

Before moving to Switzerland, Abels spent several years in the Eredivisie with Sparta Rotterdam. The Dutch center-back made 115 appearances in the top flight of Dutch football, gaining experience against top opponents and establishing consistency in his play.

With his ideal physique, strong tackling ability, and wealth of European experience, Dirk Abels is expected to quickly adapt and become a key defensive pillar for CA TP.HCM in their quest for titles in the 2026/27 season.

Vietnam futsal holds Russia to a draw in Thailand

The Vietnam futsal team got off to an encouraging start at the 2026 Continental Championship Friendly Tournament in Thailand, holding the strong Russian side to a 2-2 draw in their opening match on the evening of August 1 at Nonthaburi Gymnasium (Thailand).

Facing a superior opponent, coach Diego Giustozzi's men entered the match confidently and played on equal terms. The two teams created an exciting end-to-end game with fast, technically rich plays.

The Russian futsal team also had several dangerous chances, including one shot that hit Vietnam's post. However, the Vietnamese players maintained their focus to hold on for a 2-2 draw after a thrilling back-and-forth battle.

According to the schedule, the team will play their second match against New Zealand at 6:00 PM on August 2. This is seen as an opportunity for coach Diego Giustozzi's side to aim for their first victory in the friendly tournament on Thai soil.