In 2018, Duong Van Hao had to have 6 nails put into his left ankle after a brutal foul by his opponent. The doctor initially said that the player's chances of returning to the field were not high, let alone reaching the peak of his career.
Duong Van Hao took a whole year off to rest and recover. He returned to play and played nearly 80 matches in 4 seasons. However, not many people remembered the name Duong Van Hao - who participated in the U20 World Cup with Quang Hai and Van Hau 6 years ago - until coach Philippe Troussier called him up to the Vietnam national team.
Six nails in the ankle and the determination to return to top football
Duong Van Hao was coach Hoang Anh Tuan's number one choice on the right wing in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2016 U19 Asian Cup and participated in the 2017 U20 World Cup. A year later, Duong Van Hao suffered a very serious injury in a match in the First Division.
The midfielder, then only 21 years old, struggled with pain. Viettel players carried him off the field without daring to look down at his teammate’s feet. His ankle was swollen and twisted to one side, and all they could do was pray that nothing bad would happen to Van Hao.
Duong Van Hao suffered a serious injury and almost had to retire. (Photo: Truong Giang)
The car took him straight to Xanh Pon Hospital. That night, Van Hao stayed awake, tears streaming down his face. Then, he was transferred to Military Hospital 108 so that doctors could perform a CT scan, diagnose and come up with a treatment plan.
With a fracture of the lower third of his left fibula and a complete dislocation of his ankle socket, Van Hao had to undergo surgery that night. Doctors said that with this type of injury, his chances of returning to the field and playing at his best were slim. In fact, if there was even a slight mistake in his rehabilitation process, Van Hao could have to retire.
Holding the X-ray of Van Hao's ankle, doctor Nguyen Trong Hien - who used to work for the Vietnamese national team - sighed: "It's not good, the injury is too serious, one of the most serious I've ever seen. If Van Hao can return to compete at the highest level, it will be a miracle."
Doctors had to undergo 3 surgeries to remove each “item” in Van Hao’s ankle. After more than 1 year of treatment and rehabilitation, this player experienced a lot of pain both physically and mentally.
The midfielder from Thai Nguyen only knew the journey from his hometown to the 108 Military Hospital for treatment, then to the Viettel Center for treatment and rehabilitation. Having lost the entire 2019 season, it was not until the beginning of the 2020 season that Van Hao was able to play again. His first steps on the field on the day of his return brought tears to his eyes.
“He has a very strong will. Despite such a serious injury, with determination and passion for the profession, Van Hao overcame everything to return to football. I believe he will be even stronger,” former coach Truong Viet Hoang said about Van Hao on the day he returned to top-level football at that time.
Coach Troussier's choice
Coach Philippe Troussier gave opportunities to many players who have never or rarely been called up to the Vietnam national team during the September gathering. The name Duong Van Hao appeared, bringing many emotions to those who knew the story of this player 5 years ago.
The ticket to the national team is a reward for Duong Van Hao's determination. Van Hao's seemingly damaged leg is very "obedient" after recovering. He has almost no serious injuries related to the old pain.
Van Hao regularly plays in V-League for Viettel.
In V-League 2023, Van Hao played 19 matches in V-League and 4 times in National Cup. The player from Thai Nguyen scored 3 goals, contributing a lot to the journey of winning third place in V.League and runner-up in National Cup of his team.
After returning, he never started more than 10 matches in the V-League. However, if we count all the matches he played as a starter and as a substitute, Duong Van Hao's professional matches are nearly 80, a respectable number for a player who almost had to retire early.
He also had a hand in about 10 goals for the home team during that time. Coach Philippe Troussier recognized Van Hao's efforts.
"Being included in the list of the Vietnam National Team this time is a recognition of the extremely strong will and aspiration of this Warrior" , the homepage of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) dedicated a section about Duong Van Hao in the list of the national team.
Han Phong
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