Sports Hot News on March 23 Morning: Vietnam's 31-year-old main striker scores 24 points to lead team into finals

Sports Hot News on March, 23 Morning: H'Mia Êban shines to help VietinBank reach the 2026 Hoa Lư Cup finals; Real defeats Atletico Madrid...

H'Mia Êban helps VietinBank reach the 2026 Hoa Lư Cup finals

Main striker H'Mia Êban (born 1995) was the standout performer for VietinBank, scoring 24 points (22 attack points, 1 block, 1 serve), decisively contributing to the bank's team securing a spot in the 2026 Hoa Lư Cup finals.

In the women's semifinal match, VietinBank Club was considered weaker than the Signal Corps but created a major upset. They started solidly, effectively seized opportunities to win the first two sets 25-21 and 27-25. Although the Signal Corps rallied in set 3, winning 28-26 after saving multiple match points, VietinBank maintained control of the match.

In set 4, the bank's team played dominantly and won 25-12, concluding the match with a 3-1 score. This result sends VietinBank to the finals against VTV Bình Điền Long An.

Real defeats Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid 3-2 in the derby match of La Liga round 29, thereby continuing to chase Barcelona in La Liga, despite not playing convincingly.

Atlético Madrid led thanks to a goal by Ademola Lookman in the 33rd minute. However, in the second half, Real Madrid reversed the score with goals from Vinícius Júnior (a brace) and Federico Valverde. Nahuel Molina scored for Atlético in the second half but it wasn't enough to help coach Diego Simeone's team avoid defeat.

Real faced difficulties late in the match when Valverde was sent off in the 77th minute. Julián Álvarez almost equalized but his shot hit the woodwork. The victory helps Real narrow the gap with Barcelona in the title race.

Coach Arteta criticized

Mikel Arteta faced heavy criticism after Arsenal lost 0-2 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. His most controversial decision was using backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of first-choice David Raya. Kepa's mistake in the 60th minute allowed O'Reilly to open the scoring, before the same player added a second goal just four minutes later.

Commentator Jamie Redknapp called it a "serious mistake," stating that Arteta shouldn't let sentimentality influence a final. Micah Richards also agreed, emphasizing the significant gap in skill between Raya and Kepa.

Redknapp said on Sky Sports: "People might say Kepa deserves it because he played from the start of the tournament, but he's not as good as Raya, that's why he's the backup. So why use him in a major final when you need to win? Arteta must take responsibility; it was a serious mistake."

Zidane reaches preliminary agreement to coach French national team

Zinedine Zidane is reportedly in a verbal agreement to replace Didier Deschamps as coach of the French national team after the 2026 World Cup. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed a successor has been chosen, though not officially announced.

Zidane is seen as the top candidate, meeting criteria for prestige and pressure-handling ability, and has declined many offers to wait for the national team opportunity. The transition process is prepared early to ensure stability post-tournament.

Meanwhile, coach Deschamps remains focused on the 2026 World Cup, his final tournament after a successful period winning in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2022.

Inter Miami cannot rest Messi

Coach Javier Mascherano stated Inter Miami will not rest Lionel Messi during the "final stretch" before the 2026 World Cup, as he is the key factor determining the team's success. He emphasized Messi feels best when playing, and the team will monitor his condition daily after returning from the Argentina national team.

"We also understand Messi is entering the final phase [before the World Cup]. But as I said, with our understanding of him and decisions made based on consensus, we must maintain constant communication, continuously monitor his physical sensations and situation," Coach Mascherano stated.

Messi has yet to confirm participation in the World Cup, as the decision will depend on his fitness condition. After being eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup by Nashville SC, Inter Miami only plays in Major League Soccer at a rate of about one match per week.

In the 3-2 win over New York City FC, Messi played the full 90 minutes and scored, before joining the Argentina national team for the March international matches.

Inter draws with Fiorentina

Inter Milan enters the international break with a streak of 4 matches without a win across all competitions, narrowing their Serie A lead to 6 points.

Cher Ndour scored the equalizer 1-1 in the second half for Fiorentina. Earlier, Pio Esposito gave Inter the lead with a header in the very first minute. Despite holding 60% possession, Inter couldn't secure a victory.

Inter leads the Serie A standings with 69 points after 30 matches, 6 points ahead of AC Milan. The season has 8 rounds remaining, while Fiorentina climbs to 16th place and is 2 points above the relegation zone.