Coach Kim expects Xuan Son to shine against Laos, keeping hope

On the evening of November 19 in Vientiane, the Vietnamese team entered the match against Laos with a mandatory goal: 3 points to maintain hope of participating in the 2027 Asian Cup. In that context, coach Kim Sang-sik put his faith in the return of striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who has not played a single minute for Nam Dinh after a long period of injury treatment.

Spiritual support before the ball rolls

“First of all, I am very happy that Xuan Son is back in the Vietnam team,” Coach Kim shared at the pre-match press conference. He sent his thanks to his family, support team and Nam Dinh Club for accompanying the 1997-born player during his recovery process.

Xuan Son’s presence, according to coach Kim, brings a quality option to the attack – something the team needs at a time when they are looking for breakthroughs. Despite not having played a single minute at the club, the striker was still called up by the Korean coach for the crucial match against Laos, reflecting his confidence in his ability to make an impact upon his return.

Clear expectations: marks and goals

“I hope Son will have the chance to score tomorrow and leave his mark,” coach Kim emphasized. That expectation comes with a tactical message: Vietnam needs more attacking options that can make a difference – from the ability to move, free up space to decisive actions in the final third. In a match where space may be limited, a moment of sharpness from the striker will decide the result.

The table picture: 3 points to chase

The significance of the 90 minutes in Vientiane is clear: Vietnam needs a win to continue competing for the top spot with Malaysia – the team that is 3 points ahead and will be a direct opponent in the final round in March 2026. The advantage in the rankings can change if there is an additional decision from the AFC related to Malaysia's naturalization fraud, but Coach Kim affirmed that the team does not rely on external factors.

“This is an important match to end the year on a good note. We have prepared well and the players are in good form. The team's goal is to play confidently and win,” he said.

Competition focus: risk control, moment optimization

With a strategy that aims for certainty and efficiency, Vietnam needs to control the risk of transitions, while pushing the ball to positions that can create breakthroughs. In that case, the return of Xuan Son is like a new card in the attack - both adding depth to the personnel and opening up more options to handle "half-chance" situations.

End 2025 on a positive note

The match against Laos is an opportunity for the team to close 2025 with a positive result, creating a foundation for the decisive stage in 2026. A goal – as expected by Coach Kim – is not only a gift for Xuan Son's return, but can also be an important piece to help Vietnam extend its hope in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.