Hoang Hen turns Malaysian star into an 'apprentice' amidst 30,000 spectators

In the frenzied atmosphere at Thien Truong Stadium, Hoang Hen made his mark with a technical maneuver against the fierce pursuit of Malaysian players, contributing to Vietnam's impressive 3-1 victory.

During the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match on March 31st, Hoang Hen continued to be fielded as a starter by coach Kim Sang Sik, partnering with Xuan Son to create a formidable attacking line for the Vietnamese national team. This midfielder's annoying ball-holding ability repeatedly caused confusion for Malaysian players, creating opportunities for Vietnam to launch effective attacks.

In the 65th minute, Hoang Hen executed a standout play that caught the attention of spectators and opponents. Receiving a pass from a teammate, he skillfully maneuvered despite being closely marked by a Malaysian player, even enduring a pull and a kick to his supporting leg. Nevertheless, Hoang Hen securely maintained possession before nutmegging the opponent with a refined dribble. This play highlighted his individual skill and confidence, and served as a focal point for coach Kim Sang Sik's attacking strategy. This spontaneous move instantly elicited delighted cheers from the stands at Thien Truong Stadium.

Hoang Hen's cleverness was also acknowledged by social media fans. One account commented: “It's been a while since we've seen a Vietnamese player handle the ball so annoyingly.” Another remarked: “Hoang Hen demonstrates confidence under opponent pressure.” Even some fans emphasized: “The opponent was helpless when marking Hoang Hen or Nguyen Hoang Duc,” reflecting his influence on the field.

Not only outstanding in dribbling situations, Hoang Hen also directly contributed to the victory by assisting Xuan Son to increase the score to 2-0. He continuously moved, coordinating seamlessly with Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Quang Hai, and Nguyen Hai Long, creating dangerous situations near the Malaysian goal. Previously, in the friendly match against Bangladesh, Hoang Hen also proved his quick adaptability and became the focal point in many attacking plays for the Vietnamese national team.

Hoang Hen's adaptability and impressive ball-holding ability bring positive signals for the Vietnamese national team. He not only helps the team expand attacking options but also increases pressure on the opponent's defense, promising to be a crucial link in upcoming major tournaments.