Today's hot Vietnamese football news 4/8: Vietnam national team urgently returns home; AFC praises Vietnam national team

Today's hot Vietnamese football news 4/8: Vietnam national team urgently returns home; AFC praises Vietnam national team.

Vietnam national team urgently returns home

After a 3-0 victory over Indonesia at Pakansari Stadium (Bogor), the Vietnam national team quickly set off to return home to prepare for the next match against Cambodia.

Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players left the hotel in Bogor on the morning of August 4, heading to Soekarno-Hatta Airport before boarding a flight back to Hanoi.

The entire team is expected to arrive at Noi Bai Airport at 18:15 and immediately begin the recovery process as well as finalize preparations for hosting Cambodia at home on August 7.

The emphatic victory on Indonesian soil not only helped Vietnam consolidate their position in the race for a semi-final spot but also gave them a significant advantage in goal difference.

The coaching staff maintains high concentration because the time between the two matches is quite short, and the players need to quickly regain their best form.

Vietnam is expected to continue their winning streak when facing Cambodia, thereby taking another important step in their journey to defend the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.

Hai Long explains his notable celebration

Midfielder Nguyen Hai Long shared noteworthy comments after contributing to Vietnam's 3-0 victory over Indonesia in the third match of Group A in the ASEAN Cup 2026.

The Hanoi FC player scored the goal to make it 2-0 with a burst of speed and decisive finish. After scoring, Hai Long turned toward the stands packed with Indonesian fans and pointed to the ASEAN Cup champions badge on his chest.

Explaining the meaning of the celebration, Hai Long said it was a gesture he had prepared in advance and wanted to dedicate to those who have always supported and encouraged him throughout the past time.

The midfielder born in 2000 also expressed his happiness at being able to contribute a goal, helping Vietnam secure all three points away from home.

Hai Long emphasized that the victory over Indonesia was the result of the whole team. He affirmed that the entire squad will quickly put aside the recent result to focus on preparing for the match against Cambodia on August 7.

35-year-old foreign player joins Ha Tinh Club

Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club has just completed a notable contract ahead of the new season by signing Brazilian midfielder Luiz Antonio.

Luiz Antonio is expected to become an important factor in the midfield thanks to his vast experience and rich track record.

Luiz Antonio grew up through the youth academy of Flamengo, one of the most traditional clubs in Brazil. While playing for this club, he contributed to winning the Brazilian Cup (Copa do Brasil) in 2013, and also won the Rio de Janeiro State Championship (Campeonato Carioca).

Afterwards, the midfielder born in 1991 continued to play for several clubs in Brazil before moving to the Middle East and Asia, accumulating more experience in different football environments.

Luiz Antonio's forte is the central midfield position, where he stands out with his ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball, support defense, and launch attacks.

The coaching staff of Hong Linh Ha Tinh hopes that the arrival of the Brazilian player will enhance the quality of the midfield, bringing composure and playmaking ability, thereby helping the team aim for higher achievements in the 2026/27 season.

AFC praises Vietnam after win over Indonesia

On official media platforms, AFC praised the performance of coach Kim Sang Sik and his team, especially highlighting the disciplined defense and sharpness in attacking situations. Vietnam was assessed as having controlled the game well, efficiently capitalizing on opportunities to secure a convincing victory on the road.

The victory over Indonesia gives Vietnam an additional advantage in the race for a semi-final spot in the ASEAN Cup 2026, while also reaffirming the status of the regional defending champions. The performance of Coach Kim Sang Sik's players is also seen as a strong response to the doubts before the tournament.