From a past incident, fans believe Doan Van Hau should not go to Indonesia?

The memory of 2026 remains vivid in the minds of Southeast Asian football fans. When the Vietnam national team call-up list for the away trip to Indonesia was announced, the name Doan Van Hau was surprisingly absent. The stadium stands where Vietnam will play still carry the image of a heated match seven years ago. It was at this very place that Van Hau made a controversial challenge, leaving a lasting impression on the home fans. The context of this decision is not simply a matter of personnel selection. Vietnam are in a title-defense phase after winning the AFF Cup 2026. The away trip to Indonesia has always been considered the toughest test in the group stage, due to the pressure from the stands and the opponent's aggressive playing style. Coach Kim Sang-sik had to weigh many factors, from fitness and form to tactical discipline. Van Hau's absence is not a surprise to those who closely follow this player's situation. Van Hau was once an important factor in the national team squad. However, an injury forced him to take a long break from competition, leading to a loss of form and questionable match fitness. Just before the team gathered, he received a domestic disciplinary penalty after a foul on Doan Ngoc Tan. These factors led Coach Kim Sang-sik to make a controversial decision: to exclude the defender born in 2026 from the squad. Notably, a portion of fans believe this decision is reasonable. They cite stringent professional requirements: selected players must have stable form, good physical condition, and especially be able to control their emotions in high-stakes matches. For them, excluding Van Hau stems from clear criteria, not a denial of his ability. Conversely, another group regrets the decision, remembering the fiery Van Hau who was ready to engage in physical battles to protect the team's goal. The 2026 SEA Games incident was truly a psychological turning point. Van Hau's foul on an Indonesian player made his name a focus of attention in the Indonesian media. Years later, Indonesian fans still remember him as a figure associated with aggressiveness, even excess. Therefore, his absence from the trip to Indonesia was particularly noticed by the Indonesian media. They see it as a significant signal from the Vietnam national team. From a tactical standpoint, missing a physically strong full-back like Van Hau is a notable loss. However, Coach Kim Sang-sik seems to prioritize solidity and discipline over individual strength. In a match expected to be tense away from home, emotional control becomes a vital factor. A reckless challenge could lead to a card, putting the whole team at a disadvantage. Thus, this decision reflects a selection philosophy based on reliability and the ability to adapt under pressure. Another notable point is the case of Evan Dimas, the Indonesian player who made his mark at the 2026 SEA Games. After his clash with Van Hau, his career gradually declined, and he lost his place in the national team. This shows that a single moment can greatly affect a player's career trajectory. However, one cannot wholly attribute the cause to a personal incident, as a player's career is influenced by many different factors. The Vietnam national team just successfully defended the AFF Cup 2026 title, and that victory came without Van Hau in the squad. This shows that Vietnam's squad depth has improved significantly, especially in the full-back position. Public pressure may affect the coaching staff's mentality, but the reality on the pitch remains the most accurate measure. For a team that just won the championship, making changes to the squad is understandable. Van Hau's absence also raises questions about his future with the national team. At 27, he is still in his prime years, but the long injury layoff and disciplinary issues have shaken his position. If he does not quickly regain form and fitness, the risk of being excluded from future camps is entirely possible. This is the time for Van Hau to prove his worth with convincing performances at club level. From a media perspective, this story shows the power of memory in football. An incident from 2026 can still generate media heat every time the two teams meet. For Indonesian fans, Van Hau is a symbol of excess, while for Vietnamese fans, he is a fiery warrior. This polarization creates a compelling narrative that any sports writer would want to explore. However, it must be emphasized that this decision lies within the head coach's authority. Kim Sang-sik has sufficient professional grounds to choose the most suitable players for each match. The exclusion of an experienced player like Van Hau could be an opportunity for young talents to shine. The Vietnam national team is entering a generational transition, and strategic decisions like this are necessary. A sentence from the press box in 2026 taught me to look at people before looking at the match. Coach Kim Sang-sik's exclusion of Van Hau is not simply a story about form or injury. It is also a story about trust, about re-evaluating the qualities needed for a big match. In top-level football, discipline and consistency are always valued over explosive moments. The transfer market and the national team are two different stories, but they share the same ruthlessness. A player can be a star at club level but still face fierce competition for a national team spot. Van Hau was once a star, but now he faces his biggest challenge: finding himself again after a long injury layoff. His return will be the most notable story in the coming period. Fans may be divided, but the common goal remains the team's success. A controversial personnel decision is normal in football. What matters is that the head coach takes responsibility for the team's results. Kim Sang-sik has a title to affirm his capability, and he deserves trust in his subsequent decisions. The Vietnam national team will enter the match in Indonesia with many doubts and expectations. Van Hau's absence could be an opportunity for new faces to show their mettle. The story of the defender born in 2026 is not over yet, but for now, the most important thing is for the team to take full points against this tough opponent. Football always has surprises, and the story can change at any moment. The transfer season is a rhythm check: who keeps the rhythm, who loses it, who changes it for a shirt color. For Van Hau, his story is currently in the lost-rhythm phase. But football never turns its back on those who are patient and hardworking. If he knows how to overcome himself, the national team door will always be open. Let's wait and see how the next chapter of this story will be written. The familiar stand never sings the same song; be patient enough to hear the new rhythm. The upcoming match in Indonesia will give us the clearest answer: was the decision to exclude Van Hau truly correct? Will Vietnam continue to hold the throne? And will we see a different Van Hau in the future? Time will tell. The insult from 2026 still echoes, but now I hear it as a sad song that needs rewriting. For Van Hau, his career still lies ahead. He may not go to Indonesia this time, but the future remains open if he knows how to seize opportunities. Football always gives those who wait and strive a chance to shine again.