Vietnam vs Laos: Don't expect too much from Xuan Son; Malaysia team barely wins against Nepal
Xuan Son was the center of attention in the match between Vietnam and Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers; On the evening of November 18, the Malaysian team struggled to win at least 1-0 against Nepal... That was the notable sports news in the past 24 hours.
Vietnam team vs Laos: Don't expect too much from Xuan Son
Xuan Son is the focus of the Vietnam vs Laos match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. However, instead of expecting too much, fans need to be realistic and calm.
Exactly 10 months after being injured in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, the day Xuan Son returned to the Vietnamese national team has come when he has recovered and is ready to face Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
It should be remembered that 10 months without playing at the highest level is a huge obstacle in terms of biology and ball feel for any player, not just Xuan Son.
Putting pressure on Xuan Son to score and shine in his first match back would be unfair. Impatience can lead to bad moves, which can create a heavy mentality, and even the risk of re-injury if he tries too hard is real.
Malaysia team narrowly defeated Nepal
On the evening of November 18, the Malaysian team struggled to win 1-0 against Nepal in the 5th match of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
At Bukit Jalil Stadium, the Malaysian players controlled the game almost completely but could only decide the match thanks to Faisal Halim's shining moment in the 56th minute. From a one-on-one situation, the star winger scored the opening goal, breaking the deadlock that lasted for more than half of the match.
In this match, Malaysia continuously pressured Nepal but the final combinations lacked sharpness. Coach Cklamovski's students launched rhythmic attacks, dominated the ball but rarely created clear-cut opportunities. In the second half, when Malaysia pushed up their formation to increase pressure, Nepal's defense remained firm until the only mistake of the match.
Despite the win, the limited scoring efficiency continues to be a headache for Cklamovski. Since FIFA imposed sanctions on the group of naturalized players worth millions of euros, Malaysia's attacking power has clearly decreased. The big wins that once helped them differentiate themselves from their opponents in the same group no longer appear.
However, in terms of results, the victory still has a positive meaning as it helps Malaysia temporarily maintain the top position in Group F. But to win a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup finals, the "Tigers" need to overcome Vietnam in the final match taking place in March next year.
More Southeast Asian representatives to attend Asian Cup 2027, not Thailand, Vietnam
Not Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia but Singapore is the next representative of Southeast Asian football to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
On the evening of November 18, Southeast Asian football had a second representative participating in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup. That was the Singapore team. The team of the Lion Island nation was sure to top Group C after defeating Hong Kong (China) with a score of 2-1 right on the away field.
In this group, the ticket to the final round is a competition between Singapore and Hong Kong (China), when Bangladesh and India were eliminated early. Before the 5th match, both Singapore and their direct opponent had 8 points. Because the 2 teams tied in the first leg, the rematch on the evening of November 18th is the final match of group C, deciding the top position.
After falling behind, Hong Kong (China) tried to attack but could not equalize. The 2-1 victory over their direct competitor helped Singapore take sole top spot in Group C of the qualifying round and secure a place in the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
Fans speechless with Yamal
According to El Periodico, Lamine Yamal threw a lavish party, despite being treated for an injury.
The 2007-born star's party was described as starting from midnight to 5am on November 14 at a Barcelona nightclub called Luz de Gas. According to the Spanish news agency, anyone attending the party was not allowed to use their phone. In addition, Yamal also arranged a "VIP" area where only women were allowed to enter.
"Someone stop Yamal," one fan said helplessly. "Where was Laporta when Yamal lost his way?" a second fan asked. "Yamal is making the same mistake as Neymar," another fan commented.
The party was organised by Yamal shortly after he withdrew from the Spanish national team due to a groin injury, which he had been suffering for months. What angered the RFEF was that the player underwent an “invasive radiofrequency procedure” on the morning of the team’s training session, without informing the national medical team.
Yamal was advised to take a long rest to avoid re-injury, but the 18-year-old star took advantage of his free time to party with hot girls.
Recently, the young talent born in 2007 has continuously faced criticism regarding his attitude, immaturity and personal image.