News 11/14: Xuan Son makes an impression, Thailand is cautious

On November 14, the Vietnamese team received positive signals from the return of Nguyen Xuan Son, while the debate on whether to let him play as a starter or a reserve was prominent. Ho Chi Minh City women's football team won 1-0 against Stallion Laguna to chase the top spot in Group A. At the youth level, U22 Vietnam defeated U22 China at the CFA Team China - Panda Cup 2025. Coach Kim Sang-sik finalized the executive committee with Do Duy Manh as captain. From Thailand, Coach Wang Thawatchai admitted that Vietnam is a big opponent at the 33rd SEA Games.

Xuan Son returns and his effect on the Vietnamese team

The return of striker Nguyen Xuan Son is creating a positive effect within the Vietnamese national team. Before the training session, young striker Pham Gia Hung publicly expressed his admiration for his senior: “Xuan Son is on another level. Even though he has just returned, he has caught up and adapted very quickly.”

From a professional perspective, Xuan Son's quick integration opens up more attacking options for coach Kim Sang-sik, especially in the context of needing to increase connectivity between the midfield and attack. However, safety is still the focus of this training session.

Viewpoint on using people: should Xuan Son be on the bench?

Coach Kim Sang-sik faces the problem of using Xuan Son before the match against Laos when he is worried about the risk of a recurrence of injury. Commentator Quang Huy emphasized that the main goal of the training camp is to help this striker regain his feeling: "If he enters the field and plays aggressively and aggressively, I will not like it even more. In my opinion, he should just enter the field and play gently, regaining his feeling little by little."

This view shows the necessary caution in managing fitness, while also creating space for appropriate rotation options as the match progresses.

Ho Chi Minh City women's team beat Stallion Laguna 1-0, chasing the top spot in Group A

In Group A, Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club set a target of 3 points against Stallion Laguna (Philippines) and finished with a 1-0 victory. With this result, Coach Kim Chi and her team temporarily ranked second in the group due to losing to Melbourne City on goal difference. Midfielder Tran Thi Thu Thao was honored as the best player of the match.

The narrow but well-intended victory helped Ho Chi Minh City maintain pressure on the leading team, while also strengthening confidence for the remaining stages of the group stage.

U22 Vietnam defeated U22 China at Panda Cup

U22 Vietnam created a big surprise when they beat U22 China 1-0 away at CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025. Chinese media explained the defeat due to the absence of key players and a tight schedule at the National Sports Festival.

However, expert Dinh Huc commented on Sohu that this was a “convincing” defeat, stemming from tactical mistakes and lack of concentration of many Chinese players. The result reflected the ability of U22 Vietnam to take advantage of opportunities and organize the match.

Vietnam team's executive committee finalized

Coach Kim Sang Sik officially announced the Vietnam National Team's executive committee: Do Duy Manh continues to be the captain, with two vice-captains being Hoang Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai. As the leader, Duy Manh affirmed: "Although each player has different roles and responsibilities, they all share the same goal of building a united team, overcoming difficulties and responding to the trust and love of the fans."

This decision helps to stabilize the leadership structure in the dressing room, ensuring succession and connection between age groups in the squad.

Thailand coach is cautious, considering Vietnam a big opponent

Coach Wang Thawatchai of Thailand U22 admitted that Vietnam and Indonesia are the two biggest rivals if they want to compete for the men's football title at the 33rd SEA Games. He said: "From the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament, we clearly see that Vietnam and Indonesia are the strongest teams in the region at present."

Thailand will have a difficult year in 2025 at the youth level. While Vietnam has a balanced force and stable tactics, Indonesia stands out in terms of physical strength and competitive spirit. This assessment sets a clear competitive standard for Thailand U22's preparation before the SEA Games.