Nguyen Xuan Son entered the field at the start of the second half, replacing striker Nguyen Tien Linh. From the moment this naturalized player appeared on the field, the Vietnam national team’s attacking play significantly improved.
Xuan Son scored for the Vietnam national team after nearly a year away from the pitch due to injury (Photo: AFC).
Xuan Son himself was the one who scored the opening goal for the Vietnam national team in this match. In the 68th minute, Tuan Hai’s shot hit a Laos defender’s hand inside the penalty area, and the referee awarded Vietnam a penalty. Xuan Son successfully converted the spot-kick, scoring to give Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team a 1-0 lead.
After the match, the Brazilian-born naturalized striker, currently playing for the Vietnam national team, spoke about the goal: “Regarding the penalty, I discussed it with Hoang Duc. He, and the whole team, gave me the right to take it, helping me score after nearly a year away from the field due to injury.”
“I don’t want to talk too much about myself; the most important thing for me is the team’s victory,” Xuan Son added.
The goal against Laos on the evening of November 19 in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers may also help Xuan Son regain his excitement and return to the pitch stronger in the future, both for Nam Dinh FC and the national team.
The Vietnam national team striker further shared: “Everyone encouraged me a lot in this match. I had a very serious injury and had to put in a lot of effort to return.”
“I want to send my thanks to everyone, especially to the fans who were present at the Laos National Stadium today. I will try my best to contribute to the Vietnam national team, and I also look forward to the match against Malaysia in March 2026,” said striker Nguyen Xuan Son.
