Vietnamese defender Van Hau makes official debut in the Netherlands

Defender Doan Van Hau has made history for Vietnamese football as he becomes the first Vietnamese player to play for a Dutch first team, following his official debut for SC Heerenveen during a KNVB Cup second round match on December 18 morning (Vietnam time).

SC Heerenveen’s defender Van Hau tackles a Roda JC player during their KNVB Cup second round match at Abe Lenstra Stadium on December 17 evening (local time).
SC Heerenveen’s defender Van Hau tackles a Roda JC player during their KNVB Cup second round match at Abe Lenstra Stadium on December 17 evening (local time).

The Eredivisie outfit beat underdogs Roda JC Kerkrade 2-0 thanks to Mitchell Van Bergen and Joey Veerman’s goals in 40th and 55th minutes, respectively, but the highlight of the match for Vietnamese fans was the debut of promising defender Van Hau in the 89th minute.

Having the safe advantage of a 2-0 lead, coach Johnny Jansen decided to give the opportunity to the Vietnamese defender in the last minutes of the match. The 1999-born replaced left-back Sherel Floranus in his favoured position.

The star of the Vietnam national team did not hesitate to display a solid performance in his first appearance for Heerenveen’s first team. He received a yellow card after a tackle in the 90+2 minute.

The No. 15 player and his teammates’ efforts helped Heerenveen to preserve their 2-0 lead under pressure from the opponents. The 2-0 home win brought Jansen's side to the Dutch Cup Round of 16.

Van Hau could not hide his joy after Heerenveen's victory. The 20-year-old defender did not forget to save an unforgettable moment in his career with fans at Lenstra Stadium. He was happy and optimistic about the future and showed his determination to have more opportunities to play in the first team for Heerenveen.

The 30th SEA Games champion poses for a photo with Vietnamese and Dutch fans at Abe Lenstra Stadium after the match.

Vietnamese defender Van Hau makes official debut in the Netherlands ảnh 4

Vietnamese defender Van Hau makes official debut in the Netherlands ảnh 5

Van Hau (C) celebrates with his teammates after the match.

“Of course when I play in a football tournament at this high, I feel very happy. I will try to have more opportunities to play. I also want more Vietnamese players to go abroad including the Netherlands to play football", Van Hau excited.

The Thai Binh province’s native also expressed his since thanks to the fans and affirmed that he would always try to respond to the love of millions of Vietnamese people. "I think Vietnamese fans who always follow and support me will be happy when seeing me play for SC Heerenveen. I hope everyone will always accompany and cheer for me. I will try my best to not disappoint everyone. Thank you very much!"

On loan from Hanoi FC to the Dutch outfit since last September, Van Hau has tried his best to make debut in the Eredivisie, the top level of football in the Netherlands. Coach Johnny Jansen has also expressed his desire to use the Vietnamese defender in the first team for the second half of the season. The Dutch Cup with the participation of lower-class clubs would be the opportunity for Van Hau to have more chance to prove himself and make impress with the coaching staff, before officially making his debut in the Eredivisie.