Opportunity for Cong Phuong

The last time Cong Phuong played for the Vietnamese national team was in September 2023. He scored the opening goal to help the team win 2-0 against Palestine in an international friendly match at Thien Truong Stadium.

In March 2024, Cong Phuong continued to be called up by coach Philippe Troussier to prepare for the match against Indonesia, the first leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. But at that time, the striker born in 1995 had a relapse of his ankle injury and had to rest for treatment and recovery.

Since then, Cong Phuong no longer has a place in the national team. He himself has focused on striving to play regularly for Yokohama FC (Japan).

Cong Phuong returns to the Vietnam national team after more than a year of absence. Photo: Tam Minh

The turning point only came when Binh Phuoc Club successfully brought Cong Phuong back to the country to compete in the 2024/25 First Division. He once again became a hot topic in the media and social networks.

The heat of Cong Phuong's brand makes even current head coach Kim Sang-sik spend a lot of time watching matches and closely following his performance.

Cong Phuong has somewhat met public expectations. After a period of "wearing out his pants" on the bench in Japan, he has made a brilliant comeback, contributing greatly to helping Binh Phuoc Club potentially win the runner-up position in the First Division, thereby competing in the playoff for a spot in the V.League next season.

After 18 rounds of the 2024/25 First Division, Cong Phuong is leading the list of top scorers with 7 goals, in addition to 4 assists. The efficiency contributes nearly 50% of the total goals of Binh Phuoc Club this season.

And the result for Cong Phuong is a place in the Vietnam national team for the first time under coach Kim Sang-sik. However, carefully analyzing the actual situation, Cong Phuong still has a long way to go to prove that he is still useful to the team.

Coach Kim Sang Sik needs Cong Phuong to fill the injury storm in the winger position. Photo: Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc FC

Of the 7 goals in the First Division, Binh Phuoc striker No. 70 did not score any against the top 5 teams. Specifically, the former HAGL striker scored against the following teams: Khanh Hoa (2 goals), Ba Ria Vung Tau (1 goal), Hue (1 goal), Hoa Binh (2 goals), Dong Thap (1 goal). According to research, Cong Phuong is not in the top choice of coach Kim Sang-sik, at least in the role of winger.

On the morning of May 22, the Korean coach still checked the injury of Van Toan ( Nam Dinh Club) before deciding to announce the list of players. Before that, Bui Vi Hao was also confirmed to be absent long-term due to an ankle ligament injury.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's meticulousness in selecting personnel suitable for his playing style is familiar and has proven effective when the Vietnamese team won the 2024 ASEAN Cup, with new factors such as Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Doan Ngoc Tan, and Nguyen Hai Long.

At the age of 30, Cong Phuong does not have much time left to reach his peak performance. Therefore, if he still has the desire to contribute to the national team, this is a valuable opportunity for this striker to prove himself.

Source: https://znews.vn/co-hoi-cho-cong-phuong-post1555036.html