Overseas Vietnamese and French defender impresses
Round 21 V.League 2024-2025 ended with impressions from the French overseas defenders. In the focal match between Hanoi and Nam Dinh, right -back Kevin Pham Ba started the convincing victory of the male team. In the 26th minute, he swung his legs assertive in the penalty area, the ball was dangerous to remove the opponent's defense to bring his first goal in the V.League.
That was just the beginning of an excellent day for the 32-year-old. Speaking on the right wing, Kevin Pham Ba disabled Tuan Hai for most of his playing time. Other tactical players of Hanoi such as Joao Pedro, Van Xuan or Daniel Passira could not break through due to Pham Ba's strong concentration. Even in the opposite direction, this player confidently participated in the attack, helping Nam Dinh gain more damage in counter-attacks.
Coach Vu Hong Viet is absolutely satisfied with the overseas Vietnamese defender: "He is a quality player. I believe he will go further.
After the victory of Nam Dinh, the Hanoi Police also defeated Quang Nam with a score of 3-0.One of the three players scoring is Cao Pendant Quang Vinh - another French overseas Vietnamese player. 65 minutes, after about 5 minutes into the field, Quang Vinh invaded the area of 5m50 and then finishes the net of goalkeeper Van Cong.Similar to Kevin Pham Ba, this is also the first goal of Quang Vinh in V.League.He operates wide and tirelessly, from the home front to the opponent's defensive area.
Remember, this is the second consecutive match Pendant Quang Vinh imprinted the shoes on the goals of the Hanoi Police.
Before that, when the home team won 2-0 against PSM Makassar (Southeast Asian Championship), the defender born in 1997 was the one who helped Viet Anh set the score. "Quang Vinh has played well in recent times. He deserves to be in the national team, coach Polking shared.
An interesting prospect
After the first goal in the V.League, Kevin Pham Ba had a sleepless night. He texted friends and relatives to express his joy. Although he has turned 32, this is the first time in his career that Kevin Pham Ba has left the French mid-level football tournaments.
Its never too late for things to start, even when Im in my 30s. For me, this is a great opportunity, a special journey not only because I am playing in a new football environment, but also because it is an opportunity for me to explore my homeland and my roots.
I hope that one day soon, I will complete the procedures to receive Vietnamese citizenship. If I am called up to the Vietnam National Team, it will be a great honor and a memorable milestone in my career" - the defender of Nam Dinh expressed.
A little different from Kevin Pham Ba, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh fulfilled his wish to become a Vietnamese citizen. After nearly a year of playing football at Hanoi Police, this overseas Vietnamese defender has become accustomed to the language, culture and life of Vietnam. More specifically, Quang Vinh sang the Vietnamese National Anthem fluently. He also teaches his children to paint Vietnamese flags as a way to express their love for the S-shaped country.
The 28 -year -old himself patiently waited for the call of the national team. After scoring the first goal in the V.League, he confessed: "I am very happy to score a goal in the V.League. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. About the opportunity to recruit Vietnam, I have been trying my best.
It will be very interesting if Kevin Pham Ba's dream of naturalizing and wearing the Vietnam National Team jersey becomes a reality in the next 1-2 years, as well as Quang Vinh has the opportunity to contribute to the national team. Fans are also eagerly waiting for the script where two mature full-backs from French football appear in the Vietnam National Team. At that time, Kevin Pham Ba played as a right-back, while Quang Vinh played as a left-back.
