Cong Phuong revives the 'weapon' the Vietnamese team has always been looking for

Cong Phuong's spectacular free kick

When Cong Phuong stepped up to take a direct free kick in the match between Binh Phuoc Club and Dong Thap Club that took place last night (April 27), many fans were waiting for another masterpiece.

In the previous round, the striker born in 1995 became the first player in 6 years to score 2 goals from direct free kicks in 1 match (Xuan Truong had previously done it in 2019). However, scoring goals from free kicks is not a simple matter. Cong Phuong continuously scored free kicks successfully, leading to teams studying and lining up more carefully.

Cong Phuong (middle) draws masterpiece in the rain

PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB

Before Cong Phuong took the free kick in last night's match, Binh Phuoc FC was also under pressure. Dong Thap 's defense played resiliently to keep the score 0-0 until the 72nd minute. Coach Huynh Quoc Anh's team had to win to temporarily widen the gap with PVF-CAND to 6 points. Therefore, the expectations placed on Cong Phuong were even greater.

And then, under psychological pressure, combined with Dong Thap's dense wall (6 players standing in the wall, 1 player lying underneath), Cong Phuong still scored. The beautiful kick sent the ball over the wall, then suddenly swooped down, not giving Dong Thap's goalkeeper a chance to save.

Cong Phuong's goal sparked the victory for Binh Phuoc Club. In the 90+2 minute, Thanh Dat put an end to the visitors with a goal that sealed the 2-0 win. Binh Phuoc Club maintained its second place with 6 points more than PVF-CAND (playing 1 more match). Step by step, the Southeast representative is getting closer to the threshold of V-League.

The goal against Dong Thap helped Cong Phuong become a rare Vietnamese player (even in the world ) to score 3 goals from free kicks in just 2 matches.

Highlight Binh Phuoc Club 2-0 Dong Thap Club | Round 16 of the 2024-2025 First Division

Since returning to Vietnam, Cong Phuong has been working hard to rebuild his career in the twilight period. At the age of 30, the Nghe An striker's obstacle is 2 years of "dripping" appearances in Japan, leading to a decline in his physical strength, stretching ability and ball feel.

However, the regular playing time at Binh Phuoc has helped Cong Phuong change the situation. Cong Phuong's physical strength has not returned to the same level as before, and his familiar dribbling moves do not appear often. However, Cong Phuong has played more calmly and wisely, knowing how to save energy for each specific moment, while also practicing his "signature moves", including free kicks.

Dong Thap's wall could not stop Cong Phuong from scoring.

SCREENSHOT

When he was young, Cong Phuong also scored from free kicks, but free kicks were not his forte like they are now. Because the task of taking free kicks was usually assigned to Xuan Truong (HAGL) or Quang Hai (Vietnam national team). In Binh Phuoc, when given trust, the 30-year-old player responded completely.

New 'weapon' for the Vietnam team

Impressive form in the first division could pave the way for Cong Phuong to return to the Vietnam national team.

Thanks to a series of great players such as Hoang Duc, Van Lam, Ngoc Duc, Cong Phuong... the quality of the first division has been raised. Excellent players here also have a clearer chance to wear the national team jersey, instead of assuming that the national team's place is only for players in the V-League.

Coach Kim Sang-sik deserves to give Cong Phuong a chance to prove himself. First of all, the crisis in the attack (Xuan Son, Vi Hao injured) makes Mr. Kim need a new breakthrough factor. At the same time, Cong Phuong's efforts are commendable.

He once confided that not every team that plays for has... as much pressure as Binh Phuoc Club, because the pressure to win is huge, maintained regularly every day. However, it is that pressure that is forging "gold". Cong Phuong has tried very hard to regain his shape, better form and should be given the opportunity, at least once.

In the context that the Vietnamese team is in dire need of a good free kick taker, Cong Phuong can also be considered. Under Mr. Kim, the team has only scored 1 goal from a free kick (Hai Long's goal against Cambodia). Facing Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the Vietnamese team needs new tactics to resolve the deadlock.

A beautiful goal from the free kick, like a rainbow in the rain that Cong Phuong drew on Binh Phuoc field, why not?

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cong-phuong-hoi-sinh-thu-vu-khi-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-luon-kiem-tim-185250427064247925.htm