Coach Kim Sang-sik has announced the list of Vietnam national team to prepare for the match against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The Korean strategist has named striker Nguyen Cong Phuong of Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc after 2 years of absence. The striker born in 1995 last participated in the Vietnam national team in September 2023.
Recently, Cong Phuong has played quite steadily. In the National First Division, the player from Nghe An is leading the list of top scorers with 7 goals.
The Binh Phuoc club's homepage quoted Cong Phuong as saying: "When I heard that I was called back to the national team, I accepted that with calmness and responsibility. The past time has been the time when I look back, train and prepare better both physically and mentally.
Being able to return to the national team at this time is an opportunity. I understand that I need to work harder to repay the trust of the coaching staff and fans."
Although he has only returned to competition since March 2025 due to injury, Cong Phuong has quickly regained his form. Coach Kim Sang-sik himself also regularly attends Binh Phuoc's matches to watch Cong Phuong compete.
Regarding this, the player born in 1995 said: "Actually, I have not had many opportunities to work directly with coach Kim Sang-sik, so I cannot fully understand him.
The fact that he followed and directly encouraged me after the match made me feel his sincerity and true concern. That is not only a motivation for me, but also for the players who are quietly trying their best in the First Division".
Returning to the national team after 2 years, of course Cong Phuong could not help but feel the pressure and great competition from his teammates.
" there is pressure, but I think it is inevitable for any player wearing the national team jersey. Instead of letting the pressure weigh on me, I chose to face it with careful preparation and a focused spirit.
I do not set too high a goal or make any big promises, just simply try my best, practice seriously and if I have the opportunity to play, I will compete with everything I have, give my all for the fans, for the national team flag," Cong Phuong emphasized.
According to the plan, the Vietnam team will gather in Hanoi on May 29.
It is expected that on June 6, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will travel to Malaysia and have 3 more days of training, getting used to weather conditions and the field before entering the match against host Malaysia at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
