Captain Quang Hai officially bids farewell to SEA Games campaign

Vietnam U22’s captain Nguyen Quang Hai will be side-lined for the rest of their team’s campaign at the ongoing Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2019 in the Philippines, due to a thigh injury, announced the team’s doctor on December 6.

Quang Hai (No. 19) was side-lined in the match against Thailand U22s on Thursday due to a thigh injury. (Photo: NDO/Minh Phu)
Quang Hai (No. 19) was side-lined in the match against Thailand U22s on Thursday due to a thigh injury. (Photo: NDO/Minh Phu)

Doctor Tran Anh Tuan told reporters this morning that midfielder Quang Hai was injured during their Group B match against Singapore U22s on December 3. “Shortly thereafter, the team doctor took the No. 19 player to hospital for screening. Our final conclusion is that Quang Hai has a long muscular tear in his left thigh,” Tuan announced.

Hai missed Vietnam’s last group match against Thailand yesterday, seeing coach Park Hang-seo’s side come from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against their arch rivals, just enough to progress to the semis as Group B winners, while defending champions Thailand dropped out right from the group stage.

Quang Hai (No. 19) with his teammates in Vietnam’s training camp this morning. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

At a post-match press brief after the dramatic draw, Park revealed that Hai could still play if Vietnam make it to the finals of the 30th SEA Games men's football. However, the examination results announced by doctor Tuan would certainly make him upset.

Tuan said that he would join doctor Choi Ju-young in developing a treatment regime for Hai, combining physical therapy with training and rehabilitation. According to Tuan's assessment, with this type of injury, the player usually needs at least two weeks to recover, but the medical team are trying their best so that Hai can return to the field as soon as possible.

It also means that the biennial multi-sport event has soon ended with the playmaker of Hanoi FC.

Quang Hai (No. 19) optimistic with his teammates. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

Although this is not a good news for Vietnam U22s as the skipper plays a key role in the squad, the home fans still believe in the success of Park and his players in the journey to win the gold medal in SEA Games men’s football for the first time ever.

Vietnam will face Cambodia in the semi-finals taking place at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, tomorrow evening.

As they have only one day off to prepare for the semis, this morning's training session was only a light one. The group of players who drew with Thailand U22s yesterday just relaxed, while the others focused on tactical moves and team coordination.

This afternoon, the team conducted a technical meeting for video analysis. The players expressed their determination and focus on the next match.