Korean newspaper: "Cong Phuong is excellent in counter-attack situations"

The 0-2 loss to Sangju Sangmu was Incheon United's first defeat this season. However, there was a positive sign in the last match when Cong Phuong was put on the field early and played for nearly half an hour for Incheon United in the Korean national championship.

This is not only a joy for fans in Vietnam, but the Korean media is also particularly interested in Cong Phuong's case. On the Korea Daily page, there is an article about Cong Phuong's performance against Sangju Sangmu. Author Kang describes: "Cong Phuong was on the field to replace Park Se-jik from the 25th minute of the second half, after Incheon was down 0-1 in round 3 of K.League 2019".

"As soon as he appeared on the field, Cong Phuong left his mark. He created a scoring opportunity for his teammates when he made a sharp pass to Heo Yong-jun, who moved on the left wing after 1-2 touches of the ball."

The moment Cong Phuong entered the field.

"Goalkeeper Yoon Bo-sang successfully blocked the Incheon striker's shot, but Heo's left-footed shot was impressive and sharp. This was a regrettable missed opportunity for the away team."

Witnessing the breakthrough of the striker from Do Luong, Korea Daily gave words of praise: "It can be seen that Cong Phuong's progress is amazing. Cong Phuong received the ball from his own half and shot up, turning the ball into a lightning-fast attack."

"Before receiving the ball, Cong Phuong paid attention to his front and back, from there passing the ball accurately to his teammate without missing a beat. Fast, neat, precise, without any unnecessary movements," the page wrote.

Cong Phuong received compliments from the Korean press. Photo: K.League

Oh My News also highly appreciated Cong Phuong's role in the away team's lightning-fast counter-attack: "Coach Jorn Andersen used his substitution to bring Vietnam's striker Nguyen Cong Phuong onto the field in the middle of the second half."

"Cong Phuong made a very sensitive pass to help Incheon counterattack on the left wing. Unfortunately, the final shot by striker Heo Yong-jun did not beat goalkeeper Yoon," the page wrote. Yachuk newspaper described: "Cong Phuong turned to receive the ball from the back line, dribbled the ball and made a smart pass. This was really a meaningful situation for Cong Phuong when he had space to hold the ball. Did he adapt to the match?"

After 3 rounds of K.League 2019, Cong Phuong's opportunity to play gradually opened up. From a reserve position throughout the first match against Jeju United, the striker from Do Luong had 2 minutes running on the field when facing Gyeongnam.

In round 3, he was trusted by coach Andersen to enter the field from the middle of the second half as an attacking option when the home team fell into a deadlock.

Korea Daily quoted the Norwegian strategist saying before round 2 of K.League 2019: "Cong Phuong still has many weaknesses when playing in Korea in terms of physical strength as well as competitiveness."

"If Cong Phuong's performance improves, he will still be given a chance," said Mr. Andersen. The Korean newspaper believes that after leaving an impression in the match against Sangju Sangmu, Cong Phuong will be used in the next rounds.