Cong Phuong deserves to be given a chance by coach Kim Sang-sik

Cong Phuong deserves to be given a chance in the Vietnam National Team.

Never before have Vietnamese football fans felt so worried about their team's attack. Ahead of the important match against Malaysia in the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, a sudden storm of injuries swept through the team, leaving coach Kim Sang-sik in a "dilemma".

Key players like striker Nguyen Van Toan have just suffered a relapse of his hamstring injury, leaving his ability to play uncertain. Young talent Bui Vi Hao even had to say goodbye to the rest of the year due to a serious ligament injury. Nguyen Xuan Son, who is still struggling with the after-effects of the 2024 ASEAN Cup, has also not been able to return.

The absence of these key players has left a huge gap in the attack of the "Golden Star Warriors". Not only that, the form of the remaining strikers is not very reassuring.

Nguyen Tien Linh, although still a symbol of Binh Duong, is starting to show signs of slowing down. Dinh Thanh Binh is usually only considered a reserve tactical card. Pham Tuan Hai, although playing consistently at Hanoi FC, was not used much in the recent ASEAN Cup. The problem of finding a striker capable of making a difference against Malaysia, therefore, becomes more urgent than ever.

Cong Phuong is in good form recently.

Amidst countless difficulties, a light suddenly shines from a name that seemed to have receded into the past: Nguyen Cong Phuong. The striker from Nghe An has shown impressive form for Binh Phuoc Club in the 2024/25 National First Division. In just the last 3 matches, Cong Phuong has "scored" 3 times, and notably, all came from tricky set pieces.

Not only that, Cong Phuong also contributed 3 assists, showing his role as the "conductor" in the attacking style of the Southeast team. This strong revival has proven that, despite going through many ups and downs in his career, "number 10" still maintains the passion and sharpness needed to shine.

What's more special is that Cong Phuong also possesses another powerful "weapon" when facing Malaysia: experience and the talent to score goals against this opponent. Throughout his international career, this striker has made the defense of "Harimau Malaya" suffer many times.

Cong Phuong contributed to the 2-1 victory of U23 Vietnam against U23 Malaysia in the 2016 U23 Asian qualifiers, scored in the 5-1 destruction of U23 Vietnam at the 2015 SEA Games, and once again "tore the net" of Malaysia in the 2-0 victory in the group stage of the 2018 AFF Cup. These historic goals not only affirmed Cong Phuong's scoring ability but also showed a special courage and confidence every time he faced this tough opponent.

Cong Phuong deserves to be called up to the Vietnam national team.

With the current situation of the squad, coach Kim Sang-sik does not have many quality options in attack. Cong Phuong emerged as a breakthrough solution, an "unknown factor" that could make a difference in a crucial match. Calling him up is not simply the return of a "veteran", but also a calculated tactical decision.

Extensive combat experience, technical ball handling ability, sharp tactical vision and especially the talent to score goals against Malaysia are the factors that the Korean coach is in dire need of.

In the context of the attack line facing a serious personnel crisis, the appearance of Cong Phuong in the Vietnam national team is not only a supplement in terms of force but also brings a new wind, a new hope for fans. Can the "romantic striker" shine once again, become the "fuse" to help the Vietnam national team overcome difficulties and win all 3 points against Malaysia?

All will be answered on the pitch, where surprises can always happen.

Source: https://znews.vn/cong-phuong-xung-dang-duoc-hlv-kim-sang-sik-trao-co-hoi-post1550730.html