Hot football news afternoon 17/7: Vietnam national team receives a big boost

The Vietnam team receives additional drive ahead of the Myanmar game, as the 2026 World Cup final and European transfer market continuously witness significant events.

Vietnam national team gets a big boost

Before the friendly match against Myanmar at Thai Nguyen stadium, the Vietnam national team received a major source of motivation from the enthusiastic support of local fans. A large number of supporters arrived early to get autographs, take photos, and energize coach Kim Sang-sik's team ahead of the crucial dress rehearsal for the 2026 AFF Cup. Additionally, the technical meeting finalized all organizational tasks according to FIFA standards, with Vietnam wearing traditional red kits and Myanmar in white.

The match is not only an opportunity for Coach Kim Sang-sik to review his squad and test tactics, but also marks the first time Thai Nguyen hosts a national team game, promising to create a lively atmosphere in the stands.

The Football Association of Malaysia calls on fans to "fuel the fire" before the AFF Cup.

On the eve of the 2026 AFF Cup, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has called on fans nationwide to accompany and support the national team in their journey to conquer the Southeast Asian championship. FAM emphasized that cheering from the stands will be a crucial source of motivation alongside squad quality and coaching staff capability.

This year's tournament also marks the return of interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe to lead the Malayan Tigers, with the goal of building a team capable of competing with top rivals like Vietnam and Thailand. The unity between the team and fans is expected to become a foundation for Malaysia to aim for a successful 2026 AFF Cup campaign.

The final referee draws attention.

FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee, Slavko Vincic to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. This decision quickly attracted attention because the black-shirted referee 46-year-old officiated the match where Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup, while Spain remains unbeaten in all five games under his charge, including two important wins against Italy and France en route to winning Euro 2024.

Although it's his first time officiating a World Cup final, Vincic has extensive experience on big stages, having refereed the Champions League and Europa League finals. This reunion is expected to become one of the notable highlights of the match between the two title contenders.

Spain seeks to lock down Messi

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, former center-back Raul Albiol believes that Spain should not use a man-marking tactic to neutralize Lionel Messi. According to the 2010 World Cup winner, the 39-year-old superstar remains Argentina's biggest threat, having scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 7 matches. Albiol emphasized that the key lies in collective defense, with proper spacing between lines and always having two to three players supporting in each situation, just like how La Roja shut down the French attack in the semi-final. He believes that only a synchronized system can limit Messi's influence in the title-deciding match.

Real Madrid loses chance to land target

The hope of signing Nico Schlotterbeck by Real Madrid in this summer transfer window has almost ended. According to BILD, the release clause of the German defender has expired, while Borussia Dortmund is also determined to keep their key player who has a contract until 2031.

Additionally, Schlotterbeck is focused on recovering from the ankle injury he suffered at the 2026 World Cup and is expected to return only after the national team gathering at the end of September if progress is favorable. With a long-term contract, Dortmund's firm stance, and the 26-year-old's injury situation, the deal that was once expected to strengthen Real Madrid's defense is now considered closed for this summer.

Notable football highlights

On the eve of the 2026 World Cup final, La Masia continues to assert its reputation with as many as 8 former graduates taking part. At the 2026 AFF Cup, Do Hoang Hen is a rare representative of Vietnamese football who came from this renowned academy. Domestically, Coach Kim Sang-sik is facing a headache over the goalkeeper competition between Dang Van Lam, Le Giang Patrik, and Tran Trung Kien ahead of the 2026 AFF Cup.

At the World Cup, Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for an overly perfectionist style that led England to lose to Argentina in a comeback, while Lionel Messi praised Spain but affirmed that La Albiceleste deserves to be in the final on merit.

Meanwhile, the European transfer market remains active with the uncertain future of Marcus Rashford and notable moves from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.