Hot football news noon 15/7: Laos national team coach sends 'thanks to Boss Duc'

VFF opens direct ticket sales for Vietnam vs Myanmar match, Laos coach sends "thanks to Boss Duc", Spain holds advantage before World Cup final, Mbappe causes controversy, and MU continues to monitor two Premier League targets.

VFF opens direct ticket sales for Vietnam - Myanmar match

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) will sell tickets directly for the friendly match between Vietnam and Myanmar national teams(7:00 PM on July 18, Thai Nguyen Stadium) after online ticket sales received great interest. Accordingly, only tickets with face value 100,000 VND are available at the Thai Nguyen Provincial Sports Gymnasium from July 16-18 or until tickets run out. Each spectator may purchase a maximum of 2 tickets and must bring a valid citizen ID or passport for information verification.

VFF also advises fans not to bring dangerous items or prohibited substances into the stadium and to fully comply with the organizers' regulations. This is the final rehearsal match for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team ahead of the ASEAN Championship 2026.

Laos national team coach thanks Boss Duc after training camp at HAGL

The Laos national team has concluded a two-week training camp at the Ham Rong Training Center (HAGL) to prepare for the ASEAN Championship 2026. During this time, coach Vladica Grujic and his team played 4 friendly matches, achieving 2 victories, 1 draw and 1 loss before finalizing the 23-player squad for the tournament.

The Serbian coach expressed many words of thanks to Boss Duc and HAGL for their dedicated support, while also praising the training conditions, facilities, and professional environment in Pleiku. He was also impressed with HAGL's youth development, calling it a gold mine of Vietnamese football. At the ASEAN Championship 2026, Laos will face Thailand at home on July 25.

Spain holds a big advantage before the World Cup final

Spain became the first team to book a spot in the 2026 World Cup final after a 2-0 victory over France, and now has a chance to repeat their world championship feat after 16 years. Not only are they in high spirits, coach Luis de la Fuente's squad also has a major advantage with an extra day of rest compared to England or Argentina, the two teams vying for the remaining spot.

According to statistics from The Athletic, the team with longer recovery time has won in 13 of the last 14 World Cup and Euro finals. Given the tournament's long travel distances across North America, the physical and scheduling advantage is considered potentially decisive for La Roja in the championship match.

Mbappe sparks controversy after France's defeat

France suffered a 0-2 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, thus missing out on a third consecutive final appearance. On a day when the attack of Les Bleus was completely stagnant and failed to register a single shot on target, Mbappe also had a forgettable performance. The Real Madrid forward touched the ball only 34 times, created no dangerous chances and was neutralized by the Spanish defense. Notably, in the 86th minute, Mbappe received a yellow card after using his hand to push goalkeeper Unai Simon, an act seen by Spanish media as a sign of frustration. Although he still scored 8 goals at the 2026 World Cup, the France captain will join Les Bleus in the third-place match after being eliminated in the semifinals.

MU quietly tracking 2 Premier League targets

MU has not stopped their squad upgrade plans despite having spent about £85 million to recruit Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. According to revelations, The Red Devils are continuing to monitor two midfielders Alex Scott (Bournemouth) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton), but are likely to not make any further blockbuster deal. The long-term injury of Manuel Ugarte along with Casemiro's departure have led coach Michael Carrick to need more depth in midfield ahead of the new season and the Champions League campaign.

Notably, MU is conducting transfers more discreetly and cautiously, prioritizing targets that fit both professionally and financially to complete the squad rebuilding process.