Vietnam vs Laos: The mark awaits the day Xuan Son returns

The match between Vietnam and Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers became the focus of attention thanks to the return of Nguyen Xuan Son. Nearly a year after his injury in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, the naturalized striker of the Vietnamese team is ready to return to the red shirt. For coach Kim Sang Sik, this is the piece that can untie the knot in the attack line over the past 10 months.

The long-awaited return

Xuan Son’s absence coincided with the period when the Vietnamese team had difficulty in the final third of the field. Opportunities appeared but the stability in the decisive kicks was not high. The type of center forward who can sweep, keep the ball, make a wall and finish in a variety of ways like Xuan Son is the type of player Coach Kim needs to operate the new attacking system smoothly.

Laos chooses safety, waiting for the opportunity to change state

On the other hand, coach Ha Hyeok-jun acknowledged the difference and set the goal of prioritizing safety, limiting individual mistakes, and waiting for the moment of transition – something Laos has done quite well in recent years. He emphasized that facing Xuan Son requires more concentration from the defense, but the goal remains the same: “We have prepared thoroughly. The important thing is to stick to the plan and not let the match get out of control.”

Message from Coach Kim Sang Sik

In the pre-match press conference, Coach Kim had many words of encouragement for his student after a 10-month recovery process with rigorous exercises, medical tests and physical assessment. He said: “He can play. What I hope for most is a full return, maybe with a goal, but more importantly, ball feeling and confidence.”

Tactical angle: proper expectations

Xuan Son’s return comes with the necessary caveats. Ten months without official competition can affect his ball feel, tempo control and ability to handle tight spaces. Against opponents who tend to defend in large numbers like Laos, space for the striker will be limited; so this is not a test to put the burden on him to immediately score.

When players have just returned from injury and are under pressure to perform, they are prone to hasty, inaccurate actions or taking risks in disputes – leading to the risk of re-injury. Vietnam’s priority should be to help Xuan Son get into the rhythm of the game, regain his feeling and confidence.

Points of interest

• Nearly a year since the injury in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, Xuan Son is ready to return.
• Over the past 10 months, the Vietnamese team has lacked stability in decisive finishing moves.
• Laos aimed for a safe match, waiting for opportunities to change state and avoid individual mistakes.
• Coach Kim prioritizes ball feel and confidence for Xuan Son, rather than the goal of scoring immediately.

Long-term impacts

Xuan Son is still an important asset for the Vietnamese team, not only in the match against Laos, but also in the journey towards the 2027 Asian Cup. The best version of him needs time to form. The most appropriate thing now is to give him that time – enough to come back, enough to explode at the right time and enough to become the spearhead that the team is waiting for.