Pham Tuan Hai scored his first goal for Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in a 2–0 win at Thanh Hoa on October 17. The forward finished Tyler Crawford's cross in the eighty-sixth minute before expressing his hope of returning to Vietnam's national team, Tuoi Tre reported.

It was his first goal in four appearances since joining Nam Dinh at the start of the season. His international ambition is a player's statement, not a confirmed national-team call-up.

Visitors take their chances

Thanh Hoa entered after beating Hai Phong and pressed aggressively, but greater possession did not produce a decisive attacking advantage.

Without injured striker Nguyen Xuan Son, Nam Dinh used the pace of players including A Mit, Tran Ngoc Son, Lam Ti Phong and Tuan Hai.

In first-half stoppage time, Ngoc Son advanced on the right and crossed. Damoth Thongkhamsavath headed into his own goal while attempting to challenge Ti Phong. That opener was an own goal, not part of a Tuan Hai double.

Crawford supplies the second

Thanh Hoa continued searching without scoring. Tuan Hai struck the crossbar late on before converting Crawford's low delivery in the eighty-sixth minute.

The report described it as Crawford's second assist for Nam Dinh, following his contribution against Hoang Anh Gia Lai in round one.

Tuan Hai said familiarity with coach Vu Hong Viet helped his adaptation and pledged to keep working for another international opportunity. His Hanoi youth background and 2023 Vietnamese Silver Ball provide career context. The new developments are his opening goal for Nam Dinh and his stated determination to compete for a national-team return.