Xuan Son returns, saving the Vietnamese national team's attack
Vietnam national team has 9 goals in 4 matches but the striker only scored 1. Xuan Son returned after nearly 10 months of injury, hoping to improve his firepower in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
In the context that after 4 matches of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the strikers of the Vietnamese national team only scored 1 goal, the recall of Xuan Son in November became an important highlight. Although he has just recovered after nearly 10 months of injury, this naturalized striker is expected to help the team solve the problem of scoring goals in the decisive stage.
The effect of the 1-0 victory over Nepal
In round 4, Vietnam beat Nepal 1-0. The three points came from an own goal, which did not reflect the improvement of the attack. Against a much weaker opponent, the "Golden Dragons" still had difficulty finishing.
The numbers speak for themselves: 9 goals in 4 matches, the striker only contributed 1
After 4 matches, the Vietnam national team has scored a total of 9 goals – not a small number – but the contribution from the striker position is very limited. The only striker to score so far is Tien Linh (1 goal).
The leading scorer is a defender: Van Vi with 3 goals. The remaining players include Hai Long, Xuan Manh, Tien Linh, Quang Hai, Chau Ngoc Quang – each with 1 goal. That shows that the problem of the striker scoring goals still has no clear solution.
Xuan Son returns and expectations are immediate
Coach Kim Sang Sik has a clear reason for recalling Xuan Son. Even if he doesn’t play many minutes, his presence is still necessary to regain his rhythm with his teammates and rekindle his inspiration after a long period of injury. With the current scoring form of the strikers, having another key striker who knows how to take advantage of the moment is what the team needs.
In addition, even when not in the best condition, Xuan Son's presence is also a competitive motivation, forcing other strikers to strive to show their best.
Final qualifying round and the score problem
Vietnam has two remaining matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers and needs to earn maximum points. In March, the team will face Malaysia in the final round. Before waiting for Malaysia to be declared the winner, the immediate goal is to maximize the chances in the remaining matches, thereby maintaining the initiative in the race.
Summon at the right time
Returning to the national team in November gives Xuan Son time to get used to the pace of international competition, instead of rushing in at the end. This is important for a player who has just spent nearly 10 months on the sidelines, and for a team that is having to solve the problem of finishing effectively.
Reaction and meaning
The Seasia Goal fanpage posted an article congratulating Xuan Son on his return to the Vietnam national team after a long injury. Domestically, the addition of a naturalized striker in line with current needs is considered a positive sign for the attack.
The Vietnam national team needs a name that can score when necessary. From now until March, the presence of Xuan Son creates more personnel options and the opportunity to improve the quality of the finishing – a factor that can decide the result in the final stage.
