The Vietnamese team has reached the semi-finals of the ASEAN Cup 2024 after a 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the final match of the group stage. But for striker Nguyen Xuan Son, this journey has only just begun, after a brilliant performance in the match on December 21.
2 goals, 2 assists, explosive play and extremely compatible with teammates. This will surely be the most memorable match of the 1997-born player's career, with a debut that could not be more impressive.
The rise of Nguyen Xuan Son will be the driving force for the Vietnamese team on their journey to conquer the Southeast Asian throne.
After 3 matches against Laos, Indonesia and especially the 1-1 draw with the Philippines, the Vietnamese team received many mixed opinions about the playing style as well as the performance of the players in this year's tournament. We played quite hard and difficult, especially against the Philippines, and still had the risk of being eliminated before the final match with Myanmar.
Coach Park Hang-seo once commented: "Vietnamese fans only like winning football." And indeed, the presence of Nguyen Xuan Son has rekindled confidence when we not only won, but also won 5-0 in a match that completely overwhelmed the opponent to advance to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Cup 2024 with the top position in Group B.
The victory that delighted fans against Myanmar was also part of the reason why online tickets for the second leg of the semi-final between Vietnam and Singapore at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho) were sold out in just 2 hours.
It has been a long time since Vietnamese football has had such a strong appeal to fans. In addition to being undefeated in the group stage, it is undeniable that Nguyen Xuan Son brought emotions to the Vietnamese team's attack.
Coach Kim Sang-sik and the Vietnamese team clearly understand the value of Nguyen Xuan Son when this striker is in the squad. The class of the striker born in 1997 is the key for the Vietnamese team to be able to find the opponent's net in the upcoming journey at the ASEAN Cup 2024.
Not only the rest of the ASEAN Cup 2024, Xuan Son's performance will also be a boost for the future international tournaments of the Vietnamese team, the nearest one will be the final qualifying round of the Asian Cup 2027 which will start in March next year with opponents Laos, Nepal and Malaysia.
A sublime performance against Myanmar would be too early to judge Nguyen Xuan Son. However, what this striker has done and is doing for Vietnam at the ASEAN Cup 2024, Xuan Son is the driving force for Vietnam to have a boost. The excitement and support from a large number of fans is a positive signal.
