Doan Van Hau and the injury-causing tackle: Time to change before it's too late

On the evening of September 10 at Hang Day Stadium, a challenge shook the V.League. Doan Van Hau, defender of Cong An Ha Noi, made a tackle that left The Cong Viettel midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan with a serious injury. Immediately after the match, Viettel coach Popov admitted Tan’s condition was “very bad.” But this is not just an unfortunate injury – it is a wake-up call for an outdated style of play. The incident occurred during a tense Hanoi derby. Doan Van Hau, once a brilliant left-back with speed and power, now plays as a center-back. The loss of pace due to injuries and age means he often arrives late in challenges and compensates with unnecessary extra motions – the type of two-footed, reckless tackle. Expert Doan Minh Xuong noted that Hau “had an extra motion in the collision with Doan Ngoc Tan.” Former national player Duong Vu Lam also pointed out: “Hau’s speed has slowed compared to his peak, so fouls and extra motions become more apparent.” This is not the first time Van Hau has been controversial. In 2026, he made a dangerous tackle on Indonesian player Evan Dimas. That incident was quickly forgotten because the U23 Vietnam team won 3-0, and Hau himself scored. “That event faded away because of the match result,” experts said. But this time, the victim is Doan Ngoc Tan – a national team player and 2026 ASEAN Cup winner, well-known and loved by Vietnamese fans. No victory can cover up a dangerous challenge now. With the arrival of VAR and stricter rules, the old “cutting nails, breaking iron” style has no place. Previously, one foul might escape a card; now a single reckless tackle is enough for a red card and heavy sanctions. Coach Popov stated after the match: “Vietnamese football needs to change its perspective on dangerous tackles.” Comparing with other center-backs of the same generation, Nguyen Thanh Chung of Hanoi FC is seen as the modern template: unafraid of contact but able to control his force and timing. Que Ngoc Hai had a similar incident in 2026, breaking Tran Anh Khoa’s leg, but later reformed his game and is now praised for his composure. Van Hau faces the same choice: adapt or be phased out of the national team. From a financial perspective, a long suspension would turn Van Hau from a valuable asset into a wage burden for Cong An Ha Noi. He is no longer a high-value export player; at age 27-28, his market value declines alongside injuries and poor discipline. Meanwhile, The Cong Viettel suffers uncompensated loss of a key midfielder. The lessons of the past are clear. Vietnamese football is entering a more professional era, where every challenge is scrutinized from multiple angles. Doan Van Hau may still be a talented player with his 1.86m height and aerial ability, but if he does not change his style, he will not only harm opponents but also destroy his own career. It is time to “change before it’s too late.”