Myanmar's Norwegian coach Jorn Andersen during the friendly match against Vietnam, which Myanmar lost 0-4 at Thai Nguyen Stadium on 18/7. *Photo: Hieu Luong*.

On the evening of 18/7 at Thai Nguyen Stadium, coach Jorn Andersen's Myanmar team was dominated by Vietnam, losing 0-4. The score could have been wider if the three Brazilian-born naturalized players, Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Tai Loc, and Do Hoang Hen, had been more clinical with their chances. Nevertheless, Xuan Son and Hoang Hen still opened the scoring and netted the third goal, respectively. The other two goals came from Pham Xuan Manh and Nguyen Dinh Bac.

"The match highlighted the difference in quality between Vietnam and Myanmar. You have higher quality players," Andersen stated. "We conceded three simple goals. But we will learn and analyze to gain experience so our players can perform better in the future."

When asked, "How have the three naturalized players strengthened Vietnam?", the Norwegian coach paused for a moment before speaking frankly. He said, "I am afraid what I say might cause misunderstanding, but the three naturalized players certainly make it easier for Vietnam to play. I am not condemning anything. These players play in Vietnam and have met the residency requirements. Many national teams globally are doing the same thing. If Myanmar had a similar opportunity, I would also take advantage of it."

Brazilian-born naturalized Vietnamese midfielder Do Hoang Hen celebrates the third goal during Vietnam's 4-0 friendly win over Myanmar at Thai Nguyen Stadium on 18/7. *Photo: Hieu Luong*.

FIFA regulations outline two scenarios for players to switch nationalities and represent a national team. First, the player must have ancestral ties or be confirmed to have lineage in the country they wish to represent. Second, the player must have been born in or resided continuously for five years in the country they wish to naturalize in. Xuan Son, Tai Loc, and Hoang Hen fall under the second category.

All three have proven their capabilities in the V-League. Xuan Son is a top striker, holding the record for scoring 31 goals in one V-League season, subsequently becoming the Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner at the ASEAN Cup 2024. Meanwhile, Hoang Hen and Geovane are attacking midfielders with skillful left feet, capable of orchestrating play.

The topic of naturalization became a subject of debate when Vietnam defeated Myanmar 5-0 in the group stage of the ASEAN Cup 2024. After that match, Xuan Son revealed that he was discriminated against by defender Soe Moe Kyaw, who told the striker, born in 1997, that he was "not Vietnamese". In this recent match, the two players faced each other again, but the game was fair play.

Coach Andersen was recently appointed by Myanmar, replacing local coach Myo Hlaing Win. He admitted that having only one week to work with the players meant things were still in disarray. "I will find ways to improve. Opportunities to face strong opponents like Vietnam are valuable, and we need to learn from them," he stated.

Following this match, Myanmar will return home to prepare for their opening match of Group B in the ASEAN Cup 2026, hosting Malaysia at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on 25/7.

Hieu Luong