Sports Hot News on March 18 Morning: Russian volleyball star, two-time world champion, speaks about Bich Tuyen

Sports Hot News on March 18 Morning: Russian attacker Irina Voronkova wants to face Bich Tuyen; Pep Guardiola surpasses Sir Alex Ferguson's record...

Russian attacker wants to face Bich Tuyen

Russian attacker Irina Voronkova stated that her short-term playing stint in Vietnam in 2025 was an important preparatory step before moving to China. Voronkova played for the Information Corps Club last year before joining Shanghai Bright Ubest Club.

She utilized the competitive environment in Vietnam to enhance her physical fitness, as the Chinese league is considered very demanding. Voronkova emphasized that the weather conditions in Vietnam posed a significant challenge, with high humidity combined with intense heat creating a suffocating feeling, forcing athletes to maintain performance even when fatigued and breathless.

Additionally, Voronkova also expressed her wish to compete against Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, but it did not happen as the opponent was absent due to a back injury when she joined the Information Corps team in the second phase of the tournament.

"I really wanted (to face Bich Tuyen), but there was no opportunity. I joined the team in the second phase and didn't meet her again; she had a back injury," Voronkova stated.

Irina Voronkova (born October 20, 1995) is a professional Russian volleyball player. She is a member of the Russian women's national volleyball team and has participated in numerous international competitions. Standing at 1.9 meters tall, Voronkova has twice won the FIVB Club World Championship with two different clubs in 2014 and 2023.

Pep Guardiola surpasses Sir Alex Ferguson's record

Pep Guardiola has set a significant milestone by becoming the second manager with the most matches coached in UEFA Champions League history. The recent 1-2 loss to Real Madrid marked his 191st match in charge of the competition, officially surpassing Sir Alex Ferguson's record of 190 matches.

This achievement reflects Guardiola's endurance and caliber across multiple periods leading top European clubs. He has also distanced himself from other renowned managers like Arsene Wenger (178 matches) and Jose Mourinho (154 matches).

However, Guardiola still has a considerable gap to the record holder Carlo Ancelotti, who has reached 218 matches in the Champions League.

Regarding titles, Guardiola has won the Champions League three times, ranking joint second in history alongside Bob Paisley and Zinedine Zidane. However, he remains behind Ancelotti, who holds the record with five triumphs.

Chelsea receives bad news about Chalobah

Liam Rosenior faces a defensive crisis as Chelsea lost 0-3 to Paris Saint-Germain (aggregate 2-8) and were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. The situation worsened when Trevoh Chalobah suffered a severe ankle injury and had to leave the field on a stretcher, forcing the team to finish the match with a player shortage.

Rosenior said he "prayed" the injury was not serious, as Chelsea was already missing two key defenders, Reece James and Malo Gusto.

This defeat also marks Chelsea's heaviest loss in a Champions League knockout round. PSG scored through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, and Senny Mayulu.

Chelsea must now focus on the Premier League, but the risk of defensive personnel shortages puts them in a difficult period.

Greenwood becomes Juventus's transfer target

Mason Greenwood is becoming Juventus's primary transfer target for the Summer 2026 transfer window following an impressive season with Marseille. The 24-year-old forward has scored 25 goals and provided 8 assists across 38 matches in all competitions.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Marseille might be forced to sell Greenwood if they fail to secure a Champions League spot next season. They currently rank third in Ligue 1 with a narrow advantage over chasing rivals.

If Greenwood departs, Marseille is expected to demand at least £43 million. Notably, Manchester United will receive a portion of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause. Juventus has long monitored Greenwood and previously wanted to sign him before he joined Marseille.

Three players called up to Vietnam U17 by coach Roland identified

The first three players summoned by coach Cristiano Roland to Vietnam U17 for the upcoming training camp all belong to Song Lam Nghe An Club, including Quan Thanh Cong, Nguyen Minh Thuy, and Tran Ngoc Son. All three participated in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, where Vietnam U17 achieved an impressive record of five consecutive wins, scoring 30 goals without conceding. Among them, Minh Thuy is a regularly trusted figure, Ngoc Son makes an impact whenever he plays, and Thanh Cong is gradually asserting his role in defense.

In 2026, Vietnam U17 aims for two important tournaments: the ASEAN U17 Championship (April in Indonesia) and the AFC U17 Asian Cup Finals (May in Saudi Arabia). The regional tournament serves as a stepping stone for the team to refine its squad, test formations, and accumulate experience to compete for a U17 World Cup qualification spot.

Xuan Son is the most valuable player in the Vietnam national team

According to Transfermarkt data, the Vietnam national team during the March 2026 FIFA Days has a total estimated value of approximately €6.25 million across 23 players. Nguyen Xuan Son is the most valuable (€600,000), followed by Jason Pendant (€500,000). The group valued at €400,000 includes Nguyen Filip and Nguyen Quang Hai. Pham Tuan Hai is valued at €375,000, while Do Duy Manh, Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio), and Nguyen Hoang Duc are all valued at €325,000.

Players such as Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Khuat Van Khang are valued at €300,000; many others range between €150,000–€250,000, with the lowest being Pham Gia Hung (€75,000). The squad retains its familiar core, notably featuring the return of Doan Van Hau and Tran Dinh Trong, and the inclusion of new recruit Hoang Hen, adding creative options.