Vietnam secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Myanmar in their final Group B match of the ASEAN Cup 2024, with debutant striker Nguyen Xuan Son delivering a stellar performance. The naturalized Brazilian forward, playing his first official match for Vietnam, showcased his skill with two goals and two assists, propelling the team to the semifinals as group winners.
With only a draw needed to top the group, fans eagerly anticipated Xuan Son’s debut. The forward didn’t disappoint, immediately making an impact with his physical presence and link-up play. His first significant moment came in the 4th minute, with a narrow-angle shot that went wide. Xuan Son continued to press Myanmar’s defense, including a powerful header and a curling effort that narrowly missed, demonstrating his hunger to make a mark.
Despite creating several opportunities, Vietnam ended the first half goalless. The team struggled to capitalize on their dominance, with key players such as Hoang Duc and Quang Hai hitting the post. Missed chances by Vi Hao and Van Vi further added to the tension, despite Xuan Son’s excellent buildup play.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Xuan Son’s pinpoint assist allowed Vi Hao to tap in from close range. Buoyed by this contribution, Xuan Son himself got on the scoresheet soon after, skillfully converting a cross from Vi Hao to double the lead. The striker’s passionate celebration, including raising the national flag on his jersey, underscored his pride and excitement.
With Myanmar committing more players forward, Vietnam exploited the open spaces. Hoang Duc cleverly set up Quang Hai for a long-range strike, extending the lead to 3-0. Substituting for the injured Van Toan, Tien Linh delivered a precise long pass for Xuan Son, who showcased his class with a left-footed strike into the top corner for his second goal. In injury time, Xuan Son returned the favor, threading a perfect through-ball for Tien Linh to complete the rout.
After the match, Xuan Son led the team in thanking the home fans at Viet Tri Stadium. Coach Kim Sang Sik expressed his delight with the striker’s seamless integration and contributions, emphasizing the confidence his performance brings ahead of the semifinals. Vietnam will face Singapore in a two-legged semifinal, with the first leg scheduled for December 27 and the return leg on December 30.
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