Adelaide, 10 August 2026 – Coach Alexandre Polking has underlined his determination to overcome Adelaide United as the Vietnamese champions prepare for a crucial playoff that will determine their place in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League.
Hanoi Police FC will travel to Australia to face Adelaide United at 16:30 on August 11. The Vietnamese side enter the decisive encounter facing a difficult challenge, not only because they are playing away from home but also because several key players are unavailable while representing Vietnam at the ASEAN Cup 2026.
Despite the circumstances, Polking remains confident in his squad and believes the match represents another important step in the club’s rapid development. After capturing the V.League 1 title last season, the Brazilian-German coach wants his team to demonstrate that they can also compete at the highest level of Asian club football.
“Hanoi Police FC are developing very quickly. After winning the V.League last season, the next challenge is to compete internationally. We have made a long journey to Australia and want to return home with something to show for it. Hopefully, everyone will give their best and demonstrate the club’s ambition.”
Mauk Ready for Emotional Adelaide Reunion
The match carries additional significance for Stefan Mauk, who will return to familiar surroundings in Australia wearing Hanoi Police FC colors.
The Australian midfielder believes Vietnamese football has made considerable progress in recent years and is determined to help his current club prove they deserve a place among Asia’s elite.
“Vietnamese football is developing, and I believe this team deserves to be in the AFC Champions League. We have to prove that on the pitch. I’m incredibly excited about this game, especially because my family and friends will have the opportunity to watch me play in person.”
Mauk also acknowledged the unusual feeling of hoping for an Adelaide defeat, given his personal connection to the city and Australian football.
“This is probably the only time I’ll ever want Adelaide to lose. I’ll give everything for my current club to win and hopefully bring some happiness to our supporters.”
Adelaide United Wary of Hanoi Police FC threat
Adelaide United are also taking the Vietnamese champions seriously. Head coach Airton Andrioli revealed that his staff have carefully studied Hanoi Police FC and are fully aware of the quality within Polking’s squad.
“This is an important match for the club, and our preparation has gone well. We know Hanoi Police FC are a strong opponent with many quality players.”
The Adelaide coaching staff have reviewed footage from several of Hanoi Police FC’s previous matches in an effort to identify their strengths and weaknesses before the playoff.
“We’ve watched many of their previous games and tried to analyze them as thoroughly as possible. The players are ready. Hopefully, we can give our supporters something to celebrate and achieve the result we want.”
With both teams targeting a place in Asia’s premier club competition, the stakes could hardly be higher. For Hanoi Police FC, victory in Australia would represent another significant milestone as the reigning V.League champions look to translate their domestic success onto the continental stage.
Adelaide United vs Hanoi Police FC kicks off at 16:30 on August 11.
VSN/RPT
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