Van Quyen’s first day with the national squad

Published: 08/09/2010 05:00

After five years absent from the national team due to a match-fixing scandal in 2005, Pham Van Quyen has been called back. He had his first drill with the team on September 7. VietNamNet Bridge – After five years absent from the national team due to a match-fixing scandal in 2005, striker Pham Van Quyen has been called back. He had his first drill with the team on September 7.

Van Quyen returns to national football squad

Striker Van Quyen.

“This is only a drill but I’m very eager. The feeling is not so different from my first time with the national squad,” Quyen said.

There were 25 players in the first drill. Van Quyen was the center of the drill. Despite moving a little heavily during his first drill, his skilful dribbling and technical skills left a strong impression.

Some criticized Calisto for calling up Van Quyen, saying that Quyen is a has-been. However, Calisto doesn’t agree with them.

“Don’t look at the last football season to evaluate Van Quyen, because he had very few opportunities. Song Lam Nghe An frequently used a couple of foreign strikers. Where was the position for Van Quyen? He used to be a special talent and his talent can return. I don’t favor him but I am giving him an opportunity. Being on my list doesn’t mean that he will be present at the AFC Cup later this year,” Calisto said.

For Calisto, the most important event this year is the AFF Cup. “The biggest goal for Vietnam is defending its AFF Cup championship,” he said.

The national squad will drill at Hanoi’s My Dinh stadium from now until early October. After the Thang Long Cup closes on October 8, the team will have a friendly match against India.