Hai was the highlight of the training session at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong, on Wednesday afternoon. After an unsuccessful spell with French club Pau FC with very little game time, the 26-year-old midfielder has returned to Vietnam.
Training with the national team is a chance for Hai to refind his form and passion for football.
Hai (No. 19) was a key player under the previous coach Park Hang-seo, but with little game time in France, his form has significantly dropped and the new coach Philippe Troussier only called him up due to his experience with the national team.
After nearly a week on the national team, Hai did not let Troussier down. In a press conference before the training session, Troussier said Hai has showed great effort and met all of his requirements.
During training, the former Pau FC player showed his intelligent off-ball movement, quick decision making and effective one-touch passes.
Like Hai, foward Nguyen Cong Phuong (No. 10) has not got much game time as he played for Japanese club Yokohama FC.
He only had one appearance for the club after 13 rounds in the J1 League and was on the bench for three out of four games at the J. League Cup.
In contrast, foward Nguyen Van Toan has created a positive impression, playing 10 games for South Korean club Seoul E-Land and providing one assist.
New coach Troussier has a different playing style from the predessor Park Hang-seo, who used counter-attacking football.
Troussier incorporates a high-pressing and possession game his chosen playing style. The 68-year-old coach said he is trying to make the players understand this new football philosophy and hope that they can perform well in the game with Hong Kong on Thursday.
The defense is stacked with experienced players like Que Ngoc Hai, Bui Tien Dung and Do Duy Manh (No. 2).
Midfielder Nguyen Hai Huy is no stranger to Lach Tray Stadium, as this is the home ground of his current club Hai Phong FC.
The game with Hong Kong will be the first of coach Troussier with the Vietnam national team, after he signed a contract in February.
The game will start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and be reported live on VnExpress Internatinoal.
After this game, the team will play a second friendly against Syria on June 20.
