Vietnam Football Hot News Today March 14: Coach Kewell Refuses to Discuss Hoàng Hên in Vietnam National Team; Vietnam U23 Player Praised

Vietnam Football Hot News Today March 14: Coach Kewell Refuses to Discuss Hoàng Hên in Vietnam National Team; Vietnam U23 Player Praised.

Coach Kewell Refuses to Discuss Hoàng Hên in Vietnam National Team

Coach Harry Kewell shared his thoughts after Hanoi FC secured a 3-0 victory against SLNA at Hàng Đẫy Stadium.

"I give the players opportunities to be creative, and what I liked most today is that they never gave up. Hendrio's cross for Fisher's first goal was truly a masterpiece; from that point, we played even better.

We can only be certain when VFF announces the official list after this round, because in football injuries can happen at any time.

I think the whole team performed excellently from the first minute to the last. We moved the ball quickly, stretched the opponent's formation, and continuously exploited the space behind them," Coach Harry Kewell stated at the post-match press conference.

Vietnamese Referees Pass AFC VAR Selection Exam

Two Vietnamese referees Ngô Duy Lân and Nguyễn Trung Hậu passed the AFC VAR referee selection exam and officially joined the AFC Video Match Officials (VMO) Panel 2026 list.

The AFC Video Match Officials Selection 2026 program was held from February 2 to 6, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), aiming to train, evaluate, and select Video Match Officials for AFC tournament systems.

Within the program framework, participants engaged in intensive training modules, including theoretical study of VAR technology, analysis of key match situations, VAR intervention principles and criteria, as well as methods for selecting camera angles to assist referees in making accurate decisions.

Besides theoretical parts, participants also practiced on the VAR Simulator system with scenarios simulating real match conditions to hone skills in image analysis, situation assessment, and decision-making. Additionally, the program organized VAR procedure drills in an operational environment similar to actual matches, enhancing coordination between VAR, AVAR, and the on-field referee.

Thanh Hóa Coach Only Wishes for Fairness in V-League

Coach Mai Xuân Hợp expressed regret when Thanh Hóa was not awarded a penalty in their 0-1 loss to Nam Định in Round 16 of V-League 2025–2026.

In the 88th minute, Lucas Alves illegally tackled Rimario near the penalty area. Referee Nguyễn Mạnh Hải immediately pointed to the penalty spot. However, after consulting VAR and reviewing video, the referee determined the foul occurred outside the penalty area, converting it to a direct free kick, and issued a direct red card to Alves instead of a yellow.

"We were awarded a penalty but then it was pulled outside. I don't know how to say it. I accept the game but there are still disadvantages for the team that has faced countless difficulties.

I don't expect Thanh Hóa to receive favoritism, only fairness in the game. Teams like Thanh Hóa, which are weaker, especially need fairness. Each upcoming match is a final, and we are not afraid," Coach Mai Xuân Hợp of Đông Á Thanh Hóa shared.

Vietnam U23 Player Praised

SLNA Coach Văn Sỹ Sơn praised the growth of young goalkeeper Cao Văn Bình, despite the Nghệ An team failing to surprise Hanoi FC.

"Văn Bình currently plays with great confidence. Since returning from the U23 tournament, his confidence has increased significantly, coupled with extremely professional training attitude and lifestyle.

Since I came to build the team, the defense has faced many issues and often conceded goals in the final moments.

Moving into the second half of the season, the coaching staff tightened discipline and implemented more suitable tactics. Thanks to that, we have greatly reduced pressure on the goal."

After 16 rounds, SLNA currently ranks 9th in the LPBank V-League 2025/26 standings.