The fate of teachers and students
At the end of 2023, Nguyen Hai Long was called up to the Vietnam national team for the first time. His predecessor Philippe Troussier decided to choose Hanoi FC's attacking midfielder in the preparation for the 2023 Asian Cup finals.
From a player who was judged to have little room to develop or could not overcome the shadow of his senior Quang Hai, Hai Long began to receive media attention again through the eyesight of Mr. Troussier.
However, the French strategist could not take Hai Long to a new level. If anything, he will only play the role of "creating" his successor before leaving the "hot seat" of the Vietnam national team.
Taking over the ambition to reach the continental level, coach Kim Sang-sik has gradually selected and rebuilt the Vietnam national team. In the journey of the last 6 months of the year before the ASEAN Cup 2024, the Korean coach tested a series of personnel and Hai Long was one of them.
His appearance as a right winger when the Vietnamese team met Russia in September 2024 reminded Mr. Kim of a new playing style, a new way of operating personnel with a familiar 3-4-3 formation.
Next, in the 3 friendly matches during the training trip to Korea, Mr. Kim continuously brought Hai Long onto the field. The 25-year-old midfielder completed the coaching staff's requirements well, even scoring when Vietnam defeated Daegu FC with a score of 2-0.
With his stable performance, Hai Long received the trust of coach Kim Sang-sik for the 2024 ASEAN Cup campaign and became the main factor.
Having been in good form, Hai Long immediately proved his worth with his ability to run smartly and finish well with both feet. At the Lao national stadium, in the context of a stalemate, Hai Long scored a beautiful goal to open up a smooth match.
After Hai Long's goal, the Vietnam team scored 3 more goals, thereby making a perfect start in the Southeast Asian tournament at that time.
Hai Long's ASEAN Cup journey was even more memorable in the second leg of the final at Rajamangala Stadium (Thailand). He was the one who took the shot from midfield, sealing the final victory for the Vietnamese team against the "big rival".
The image of Hai Long slowly bringing the ball into the goal despite the helplessness of the Thai defenders became the most impressive moment of the ASEAN Cup. As for Hai Long, he also became a special player in the history of the Vietnam national team when he was the only player to score the opening goal and end the championship journey of the "Golden Star Warriors".
Career changes page
After the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Nguyen Hai Long was mentioned more often by fans. From a promising young talent who could follow in Quang Hai's footsteps in the past, Hai Long has now been recognized for his ability. More importantly, he has positioned his self-worth in the Vietnam national team jersey as well as Mr. Kim Sang-sik's long-term plan.
In March 2025, the national team will play a friendly match with Cambodia. In the 26th minute, on the free kick 27m from the goal, Hai Long fired a typical free kick that started the home team's 2-0 victory.
It is worth mentioning that he was the first player to score a free kick for the Vietnamese team under coach Kim Sang-sik. Continuing that impressive form, Hai Long shined in Vietnam's 5-0 victory over Laos at Go Dau Stadium in the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup final qualifiers.
In addition to the assist for Van Vi, this player also directly recorded his name on the scoreboard, with a beautiful left-footed shot that defeated the Lao goalkeeper. His good finishing ability with both feet and skillful pressing turnover have been and are being effectively demonstrated by Hai Long under the guidance of Mr. Kim.
At the end of May, Hai Long was selected to join the ASEAN All-Stars squad (replacing Quang Hai) to play a friendly match with Man United. He is also the only Vietnamese player that Mr. Kim has included in the starting lineup.
Although he did not participate in the training for a minute before, Hai Long still showed his ability well. Under the protection of Man United defenders, the midfielder born in 2000 confidently held the ball, dribbled the ball and finished into the opponent's goal.
Witnessing Hai Long playing confidently against the "Red Devils" stars, many international fans praised him. Some opinions are joking that the English team should recruit Hai Long to Old Trafford.
Indeed, Hai Long has made great strides in his career, especially in the Vietnam national team jersey. Coach Kim Sang-sik can be proud because he has taken advantage of the "rough resources" from his predecessor Troussier to create a valuable diamond.
