Cong Phuong joins Vietnam national team, determined to 'tear the net' of Malaysia

After nearly 2 years of absence, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong returned to the Vietnamese team, in preparation for the decisive match against Malaysia.

Cong Phuong returns to the Vietnam national team after nearly 2 years of absence. Photo: TC

Early afternoon of May 29, Cong Phuong appeared at the Vietnam national team headquarters (Hanoi). The Binh Phuoc Club striker came alone. He dressed simply in a shirt and sneakers .

Cong Phuong's appearance became the center of attention. He was surrounded by the press and fans. At the hotel check-in counter, the 30-year-old striker met again with center back Thanh Chung. Both asked about each other's health before checking in.

Cong Phuong's last call-up to the Vietnam national team was in September 2023, in a friendly match between Vietnam and Palestine at Thien Truong Stadium. In that match, under the guidance of coach Troussier, Cong Phuong scored a goal but was still criticized by the French coach.

After this match, the striker from Nghe An was absent from the Vietnam national team for nearly 2 years. It was not until this season, when he showed impressive performance for Binh Phuoc Club, and with many national team strikers such as Xuan Son, Vi Hao, and Van Toan absent due to injury, that Cong Phuong was called back by coach Kim Sang Sik.

Before joining the national team, Cong Phuong scored 7 goals in the First Division. Including the National Cup, the Binh Phuoc striker scored a total of 9 goals. With good form, especially his ability to take set pieces, the 30-year-old striker is expected to solve the problem of scoring for the Vietnamese team in the match against Malaysia on June 10.

According to the plan, after the friendly match with MU Club ended, Coach Kim Sang Sik and 4 players Duy Manh, Van Vi, Hai Long and Hoang Duc joined the Vietnam team on May 29. On May 30, the Vietnam team entered the first training session in Hanoi , preparing for the match against Malaysia, the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup.

Source: https://znews.vn/cong-phuong-len-tuyen-viet-nam-quyet-xe-luoi-malaysia-post1556273.html