Vietnam midfielder's stunning free kick among top 10 goals scored in snow

By Hoang Nguyen January 11, 2021 | 06:33 pm PT

A screenshot of Nguyen Quang Hai (in red) scoring from a free kick in the AFC U23 Championship final between Vietnam and Uzbekistan on January 27, 2018.

Popular Spanish sports newspaper AS has chosen Nguyen Quang Hai’s famous ‘Rainbow in the snow’ free kick in its list of best snowbound goals.

He scored with the masterful free kick in the 2018 AFC U23 Championship final against Uzbekistan at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center in China.

The match was played in a blizzard, but Hai, with composure and confidence, curled home a magnificent shot to equalize for Vietnam in the 41st minute.

Though Vietnam had to settle for silver after Uzbekistan scored the winner in the last minute of extra time, Hai’s goal was hailed by fans and media, with many dubbing it the "Rainbow in the snow."

The goal is sixth in the newspaper's list behind a free kick by former Brazilian defender Lucio for FC Bayern Munich (5th). The fourth goal is a volley by former German defender Jochen Kientz for FC St. Pauli, a club in 2. Bundesliga. At third is a chip by former Czech midfielder David Kobylík for Arminia Bielefeld, another club in 2. Bundesliga. Coming in second is former German midfielder Thomas Strunz with a beautiful trick shot for Bayern.

Topping the list is the FIFA Puskas winner and Egyptian superstar Mohammed Salah’s 2018 goal for Liverpool FC.

A key player in the Vietnamese national team under coach Park Hang-seo, Hai has won acclaim for his outstanding performances in major tournaments, including a string of impressive displays at the 2018 AFF Cup and 2019 Asian Cup.

He won the Vietnamese Golden Ball in 2018.

In 2019 his goal was voted the best goal in the history of the AFC U23 Championship in a poll by the Asian Football Confederation in which it garnered 1.16 million votes.