Hoang Duc keeps faith in Vietnam to attend the World Cup

In the 2023 season, Hoang Duc and Viettel won third place in the V-League and runner-up in the National Cup. He surpassed many names to win the title of Best V-League Player for the first time - the biggest individual award after the 2021 Vietnam Golden Ball. In addition, the midfielder born in 1998 also won for the second time in a row. V-League typical squad.

After receiving the award, Hoang Duc thanked his family and teammates for helping him throughout the year to get the individual title. He also expressed his dream of bringing Vietnam to the World Cup, after failing to realize it in the 2022 period in Qatar. "My biggest dream is to attend the World Cup, maybe in 2026, maybe later," Hoang Duc said. "No matter what, we must keep the faith that Vietnam will attend the World Cup."

Hoang Duc is part of the Vietnamese team that came closest to the World Cup when it first entered the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup. However, poor qualifications and experience prevented Vietnam from creating a surprise in the group with Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Oman and China. Vietnam only won one match, drew one and lost eight.

After the departure of Coach Park Hang-seo, Coach Philippe Troussier is the next person with the goal of bringing Vietnam to the 2026 World Cup. Hoang Duc said he focuses his utmost attention on the times he is called up to the national team because of his big dream. Previously, Vietnam attended the Women's World Cup 2023, U20 World Cup 2017, Futsal World Cup 2016 and 2020.

In addition, Hoang Duc also left open the possibility of going abroad, saying he would give "time to respond". He also does not consider the failure of colleagues Nguyen Quang Hai, Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Cong Phuong, and Luong Xuan Truong to make an impression when competing abroad as a barrier. "It's just the beginning and if there is a chance, I still think people should continue to go abroad to try," Hoang Duc said.

Nguyen Hoang Duc was born in 1998 in Hai Duong and grew up at Viettel Youth Football Training Center. With the club, Hoang Duc won the 2018 First Division championship, won the 2020 V-League championship. At the team level, he attended the FIFA U20 Wold Cup 2017, won two gold medals at SEA Games 30 and 31, and was part of the national team. Entering the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup for the first time. At the age of 25, Hoang Duc is considered the best and most stable midfielder in Vietnam.