HÀ NỘI, Viet Nam — Viet Nam(VN) win big at AFF Awards

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam were named best men’s National Team of the Year 2018 at a ceremony in Hà Nội.

Vietnamese midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải won the men’s AFF Player of the Year, while his coach S Korean Park Hang-seo won men’s Coach of the Year.

“I’d like to say thanks to my coaching staff, teammates and fans. This prestigious award will be a big motivation for me to strive for even greater achievements in the future,” said the 22-year-old Hải.

Park, who led Việt Nam national men’s squads to lift the trophy at the AFF Cup 2018, AFC U-23 Championship final and Asian Cup 2019 semi-final, said his award reflected the efforts of his players and each and member of his team.

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“I want to say thanks to the Vietnamese fans. They have been the source of motivation that got us to where we are today,” said Park at the ceremony.

Vietnamese players were also included in the AFF Best XI at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải, defender Quế Ngọc Hải and keeper Đặng Văn Lâm.

Trần Văn Vũ was named Futsal Player of the Year, but the Vietnamese squad lost out to their rivals Thailand, who won Futsal Team of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Pitsamai Sornsai of Thailand won women’s AFF Player of the Year 2018, while Suphanat Muenta, also from Thailand, won Young Player of the Year. The Thai women’s team were also named National Team of the Year along with their coach Nuengruetai Srathongvian. — VNS

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