Hot football news midday 30/6: Vietnam national team receives consecutive bad news

HCMC I surges to the top of the women's VĐQG standings, Vietnam national team struggles with personnel issues, as the 2026 World Cup and transfer market continue to buzz with many remarkable happenings.

HCMC I gains the advantage in the Women's National Championship

The key match of round 3 in the Women's National Football Championship - Thái Sơn Bắc Cup 2026 ended with a minimal 1-0 victory for HCMC I over Hanoi I. The home team started with great determination, creating numerous chances in the first half but failing to convert them. The turning point came in the 53rd minute when Cù Thị Huỳnh Như leaped high to head the ball following a shot by Ngọc Trâm that hit the crossbar, scoring the only goal of the match. With a lead, the defending champions deliberately dropped deep, played tightly, and neutralized all of Hanoi I's attacking efforts.

This crucial victory gives HCMC I a significant edge in the race to defend their title, while also affirming the composure of the top candidate for this season's championship.

Vietnam national team suffers personnel losses

Concluding the first week of training in preparation for the ASEAN Championship 2026, the Vietnam national team has yet to train with a full squad due to a series of injury cases. Players such as Đỗ Duy Mạnh, Ngô Đăng Khoa, Lê Ngọc Bảo, and Khuất Văn Khang all face physical issues, with Khoa Ngô having returned to Australia for treatment, reducing the team's roster to 27 members.

The shortage of personnel significantly impacts the process of squad assembly and tactical implementation by coach Kim Sang-sik. However, the team still has positive signals from new faces like Nguyễn Xuân Son, Đỗ Hoàng Hên, Nguyễn Tài Lộc, and Lê Giang Patrik. As planned, the Vietnam national team will go to South Korea for a training camp starting July 2 before embarking on their campaign to defend the Southeast Asian crown.

Brazil wins in a thrilling fashion

Brazil secures a spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan. The Asian representative started confidently and took an early lead, but Casemiro equalized with a header before Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in the 90+3 minute. The match was further heated by pre-game remarks from Kento Shiogai, as the Japanese player claimed Brazil was no longer as fearsome as before.

After the winning goal, Matheus Cunha drew attention by raising five fingers toward Japanese fans, reportedly referencing Selecao's five World Cup titles. However, the striker later comforted Ao Tanaka, closing an emotional match. The victory sends Brazil into the Round of 16 and continues their quest for the title.

VAR sparks controversy in Germany's match

Germany was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after losing to Paraguay on penalties, but the post-match focus was on a controversial VAR decision. In extra time, Jonathan Tah's goal was disallowed because the referee determined that Waldemar Anton had fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Jurgen Klopp immediately criticized the decision, arguing that the contact was completely normal and even cited Arsenal as an example, asserting that many goals from similar situations have been allowed.

Klopp's view also gained support from referee experts Patrick Ittrich and Thorsten Kinhofer, who believed VAR had overstepped. This incident was seen as a turning point that cost Germany a chance to reach the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup.

Notable transfer news

The transfer market remains active with many significant moves. Harry Kane is reportedly on Barcelona's radar, but the English striker is happy at Bayern Munich and prioritizes competing with England in the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Manchester United insists that Amad Diallo is not for sale despite interest from several clubs.

In another development, Manchester City officially appointed Enzo Maresca as head coach to replace Pep Guardiola, marking a new chapter at the Etihad. Additionally, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha is said to want to return to Manchester, with both Man City and Manchester United closely monitoring the German international's situation.