Striker Nguyen Xuan Son scored the opening goal, contributing to helping Vietnam defeat Malaysia 2-0 in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals. After the match, this striker shared about the moment of scoring, and the emotions when VAR checked the situation and goals with the team.
He said: "Honestly, it was a bit difficult at first. I needed to adapt. The situations on the field were also a bit different. But for me, currently in the striker position, I always wait for just one ball.
I'm waiting for a moment like tonight, when there's a good cross in the final minutes for me. That's the opportunity I need to take a personal shot. As you know, the penalty area is where I work best. If the ball comes there, I can take advantage of it successfully, that's really an advantage.
In the first half, Xuan Son did not have many clear chances when Malaysia organized a fairly tight defense. However, this striker took advantage of the opportunity in the 45+5 minute. From Tien Anh's accurate cross, Xuan Son headed the ball into Malaysia's net, helping Vietnam take the lead.
This goal also put Xuan Son in the group of players who made notable marks in the knockout rounds of the ASEAN Cup. However, for Xuan Son, the most important thing is still the result of the whole team. The 2-0 victory away from home helped the Vietnamese team create a significant advantage before the second leg.
Honestly, I am very happy with the team's victory today. That has always been my dream - to wear the national team jersey and dedicate myself wholeheartedly, that is what I strive to do every day.
I just want to maintain this form, and at the same time create more motivation for the whole team because this result is really very important to us," Xuan Son emphasized.
After the match in Malaysia, Xuan Son and his teammates will aim for the second leg of the semi-final with the goal of protecting the two-goal advantage. With the ability to take advantage of opportunities in the penalty area, this striker is still expected to be one of the important factors of the Vietnamese team in the remaining stage of the ASEAN Cup 2026.
