Before this, Son did not celebrate with his usual fervor. He turned his back, flexed his muscles, and spread his arms to celebrate with his teammates. This was his 8th goal in 6 matches for the Vietnamese national team. His previous seven goals were scored in the ASEAN Cup 2024, contributing to the team's championship title and earning him the top scorer award.

On the evening of 19/11 at the Lao National Stadium, Nguyen Xuan Son started on the bench.

Early in the second half, facing a stagnant attack, Coach Kim Sang-sik brought on the Brazilian-born naturalized striker. He, along with Pham Tuan Hai, Pham Gia Hung, and Nguyen Hai Long, replaced Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Van Vi, Le Van Do, and Le Pham Thanh Long, respectively.

Laos is a favorite opponent for Vietnam, having won 15 and drawn only one match in history. However, this encounter was one of the most challenging. In the two previous meetings, Vietnam won 3-1 in the ASEAN Cup 2024 group stage and 5-0 in the opening match of the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

The fresh, more agile, and dynamic players helped Vietnam increase pressure on the Lao defense.

In the 60th minute, Tuan Hai (in white) hit the crossbar. Eight minutes later, he broke through and passed from the left byline, forcing Phetdavanh Somsanith to slide and illegally use his hand, resulting in a penalty for Vietnam.

Part of the reason was Coach Kim Sang-sik's desire to experiment with playing styles, by having two creative midfielders, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai, play together. Previously, he usually selected one, then brought the other on later. The South Korean coach aimed to increase the speed of ball circulation but admitted it was not successful.

Faced with the chance to open the scoring, the Vietnamese players discussed who would take the kick, and ultimately, Xuan Son was chosen. His teammates wanted to give him the opportunity to score after nearly one year away from play.

From the penalty spot, Son struck decisively into the lower left corner, scoring despite the Lao goalkeeper diving the right way.

After scoring, Xuan Son knelt and kissed his right knee.

The 28-year-old striker simultaneously satisfied two desires: playing and scoring, after 318 days away from the pitch since breaking his leg in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final on 5/1.

During his time on the field, Son played with effort and tried to move widely, but his ball sense and match fitness were not yet complete.

Nevertheless, defender Phoutthavong Sangvilay admitted that Son's physique is entirely different in Asia, making it difficult for him and his teammates to stop him.

The opening goal relieved pressure on Vietnam but did not entirely break Laos' will to play.

It was not until the third minute of injury time, when goalkeeper Anoulak Vilaphone fumbled the ball in the penalty area, that Tuan Hai capitalized with a spectacular bicycle kick into an open net, sealing the 2-0 victory.

The disjointed play disadvantaged central strikers like Nguyen Tien Linh (in white). In his 45 minutes on the field, he had only two clear chances but shot wide of the goal on both occasions. The other good opportunity belonged to Hoang Duc, but his shot into the left corner could not beat goalkeeper Anoulak.

Despite this, Vietnam concluded 2025 with seven victories. The only defeat occurred against Malaysia, with a score of 0-4, in the final qualifying round in June.

The national team's opening match of 2026 will take place on 31/3, also a home game against Malaysia. This crucial match will decide the top spot in Group F and a ticket to the Asian Cup 2027.

Hieu Luong

Photos: DH