Brian Jeffrey
Nguyen Xuan Son played a transformative role in Vietnam’s success at the ASEAN Cup 2024, and his impact went far beyond just his goal-scoring abilities. He infused life back into the team, reigniting their drive and altering the team’s dynamic in ways hard to put into words.
Two months prior to the ASEAN Cup 2024, Vietnam organized an international friendly tournament at My Dinh Stadium, featuring prominent teams like Russia and Thailand.
Despite this, attendance fell drastically, with less than a third of the seats filled, which is unusual for matches against rivals like Thailand.
This lack of enthusiasm was partially due to the disappointing performance during Philippe Troussier’s leadership and the residual effects of Kim Sang Sik’s initial period.
Disillusioned fans appeared to have distanced themselves from the national team, reflecting coach Park Hang Seo’s sentiment: “Vietnamese fans only adore victorious football.”
As the ASEAN Cup 2024 approached, skepticism loomed over Vietnam. Even analysts showed reluctance in their support for the team.
These doubts were valid; the squad’s core players, once eager for glory, seemed to have lost their competitive edge after achieving success and financial stability.
Despite remaining unbeaten in the group stage, the belief in their potential for victory lingered weakly. However, everything shifted during the decisive group stage match against Myanmar at Viet Tri Stadium, where Nguyen Xuan Son’s impact became evident.
Xuan Son’s Remarkable Influence
Before his injury in the finals’ second leg, Xuan Son netted seven goals and assisted twice, playing a crucial role in nearly all scoring opportunities since his debut against Myanmar.
Nevertheless, his true strength lay not in his numbers but in his capacity to motivate. Xuan Son rejuvenated the team, reviving his teammates’ enthusiasm and determination to succeed.
A shining example of this resurgence is Hoang Duc, the 2023 Vietnamese Golden Ball winner. He struggled in the tournament’s early phase but flourished later on, fueled by Xuan Son’s presence.
While Xuan Son’s recovery will require time, his influence remains potent. The Vietnam national team, emboldened by renewed purpose, is set for greater heights, thanks to the remarkable energy brought by this naturalized striker who has embraced Vietnam as his second home.
Duy Nguyen
