With seven goals, two assists, and countless inspiring moments, naturalized striker Xuan Son was instrumental in Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup 2024 victory, helping the team rediscover their passion and drive.
Xuan Son's impact on Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup victory went far beyond goals and assists. (Photo: SN)
Nguyen Xuan Son’s contributions to Vietnam’s triumphant ASEAN Cup 2024 campaign extended far beyond his crucial goals. He rejuvenated the team, reignited their passion, and helped transform the squad in ways that mere words cannot adequately express.
A team in need of revival
Two months before the ASEAN Cup 2024 began, Vietnam hosted an international friendly tournament at My Dinh Stadium, featuring notable opponents like Russia and Thailand.
However, the usually fervent Vietnamese fans seemed disenchanted, with stadium attendance at less than one-third capacity - a rare occurrence, especially when facing Thailand.
This indifference stemmed partly from poor results during Philippe Troussier’s reign and the lingering effects of Kim Sang Sik’s early tenure.
Disillusioned fans had seemingly abandoned the national team, echoing coach Park Hang Seo’s words: “Vietnamese fans only love winning football.”
A journey from skepticism to triumph
Vietnam entered the ASEAN Cup 2024 amid widespread skepticism. Even among analysts, faith in the team was hesitant and forced.
The doubts were not unfounded. The team’s key players - once hungry for glory - seemed to have lost their edge after years of success and financial security.
Even as Vietnam went undefeated in the group stage, confidence in their championship potential remained limited. Everything changed, however, in the final group match against Myanmar at Viet Tri Stadium, where Nguyen Xuan Son’s influence began to shine.
Xuan Son’s journey through the ASEAN Cup 2024 exemplifies the power of leadership and passion, as his influence reignited the fire in a Vietnam team that had stagnated. Photo: SN
Xuan Son’s undeniable impact
Before being sidelined by an injury in the second leg of the final, Xuan Son scored seven goals and provided two direct assists. His contributions were pivotal to nearly every scoring play since his introduction against Myanmar.
Yet, his greatest value was not in his statistics but in his ability to inspire. Xuan Son brought a renewed energy to the team, rekindling his teammates’ passion and drive for success.
Hoang Duc is a prime example. The 2023 Vietnamese Golden Ball winner began the ASEAN Cup with a lackluster performance but regained his form and shone in the tournament’s latter stages after Xuan Son’s arrival.
While Xuan Son’s recovery from his injury will take time, his influence endures. With their renewed sense of purpose, the Vietnam national team is poised to soar higher, thanks to the spark provided by this naturalized striker who has found a second home in Vietnam.
Vietnamnet.vn
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