Football

Midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải makes history as the first Vietnamese player to compete in France's Ligue 2 on July 31. Screen shot photo

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Quang Hải impressed on his Ligue 2 debut on July 31.

Hải, the first Vietnamese playing in the French league, was given second highest score of 6.9 among Pau FC players in the game despite losing 4-0 to Guingamp at the Stade du Roudourou.

The midfielder came on in the 60th minute and played a key role in lifting Pau FC's performance after they conceded three goals in the first half and another not long after the interval.

According to SofaScore, most powerful sports app for live football scores, results and statistics, Hải made 11 touches, seven passes with six finding a teammate and all three successful crosses. Among his passes two were key passes. Since his introduction, Hải took charge of Pau FC's all corners and free kicks.

The 25-year-old received 6.9 points from SofaScore, as high as midfielder Sessi D'Almeida and just behind forward Mons Bassouamina who got 7.0 points.

With the appearance of the “Messi of Việt Nam”, Pau FC were stronger in the last 30 minutes. They had nine attempts on goal with five on target, a big improvement on the first half when they had just one shot on goal.

Next match on August 7 is home to Dijon who beat Saint-Étienne 2-1 on July 31. VNS