Will the Vietnamese team be stronger if coach Kim gives Cong Phuong a chance?

Teacher Kim marked Cong Phuong?

Instead of going to the stadium to watch V-League, coach Kim Sang-sik chose the match between PVF-CAND and Binh Phuoc in round 19 of the first division as his "destination" on May 17.

If PVF-CAND has a series of young players wearing the shirts of the U.22 and U.19 Vietnam teams, Binh Phuoc Club also has veterans such as Cong Phuong, Tan Sinh, Tan Truong, Ngoc Duc... A match in the first division, but containing the factors that Mr. Kim is looking for for both the national team and U.22 Vietnam.

Cong Phuong (blue shirt) and Binh Phuoc Club are getting closer to the play-off spot.

PHOTO: TRUONG TUOI BINH PHUOC

Cong Phuong is one of the most notable faces. The striker born in 1995 scored 7 goals in 13 matches for Binh Phuoc Club, in his first full season after 2 years on the bench at Yokohama FC (Japan). Cong Phuong has left his mark, typically with a double from the free kick against Hoa Binh Club (round 17), or continuous goals at the beginning of the season against Khanh Hoa, Hue, Ba Ria - Vung Tau or Tre TP.HCM.

Highlight Binh Phuoc Club 2-1 Hue Club | Round 18 of the 2024-2025 First Division

However, the match against PVF-CAND yesterday (May 17) was a test at a higher level. In the match, Binh Phuoc Club prioritized defense, meaning Cong Phuong had to compete alone in the attack, combined with the slippery field conditions due to heavy rain at PVF, the 30-year-old striker's ability was tested to the extreme.

The final 0-0 draw reflected the match situation, when a team with no need to attack (Binh Phuoc Club) met a team that wanted to attack but could not (PVF-CAND). With a tight defense, focusing only on about 2 or 3 players on the attack line of Binh Phuoc Club, it is understandable that Cong Phuong could not score.

However, the former HAGL striker still made his mark. The most obvious was his dribbling into the middle, then passing the ball to Tran Manh Hung facing the PVF-CAND goal in the 17th minute. Unfortunately, Manh Hung's left-footed shot went over the bar, even though Cong Phuong had attracted 2 players, opening up a big space for his teammates.

Coach Huynh Quoc Anh also expects Cong Phuong to skillfully dribble the ball in front of 2 or 3 PVF-CAND defenders in this match. The player wearing the number 70 jersey is forced to "act alone" when there are no teammates to coordinate the passing.

Cong Phuong has the ability to dribble and attract people to open up space for his teammates.

PHOTO: TRUONG TUOI BINH PHUOC

He mainly moved wide to press with his teammates, preventing PVF-CAND from deploying the ball. The efforts of Cong Phuong and Binh Phuoc Club were rewarded with a valuable draw, to move closer to the play-off spot.

New plan for Vietnam team

Sitting in the stands watching the game, the head coach can observe how the players move without the ball, apply pressure to support the defense or interact with teammates. These are all details that cannot be observed only on television or in video analysis.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's presence at PVF Stadium, therefore, shows his respect for PVF-CAND and Binh Phuoc players, of which Cong Phuong is one.

Coach Kim Sang-sik has never called up Cong Phuong to the Vietnam national team after nearly a year in charge. In the early stages (from June to October), he ignored him because his student was on the bench in Japan. After that, although Cong Phuong returned to Vietnam, the choice to play in the first division (a lower level of expertise than V-League) and the physical difficulties due to Cong Phuong's long absence from competition caused Coach Kim to continue not to "mark" his student for the AFF Cup 2024.

Highlight Binh Phuoc Club 2-1 Hoa Binh Club | Round 15 of the 2024-2025 First Division

However, times have changed. Thanks to players like Hoang Duc, Cong Phuong... the professional level of the first division has improved. The fact that the head coach of the national team went to watch the first division, which was not a common occurrence before, has now happened again with coach Kim.

Cong Phuong has also made efforts recently. He is the leader of Binh Phuoc Club's attack, still possessing unique professional qualities such as the ability to dribble, shoot, and take free kicks. Cong Phuong's physical strength is also better than before, having played 10 out of 13 matches since the beginning of the tournament.

The crisis in the Vietnamese national team's attack, when Xuan Son was injured and Tien Linh was in decline, forced coach Kim Sang-sik to consider a new solution. Cong Phuong used to play as an attacking midfielder, winger, and even a striker under coach Park Hang-seo. The 30-year-old striker not only has the ability to score goals against Malaysia (3 goals at all levels) but also has a wealth of experience.

A new breeze in the Vietnam team could come from the old man, if coach Kim Sang-sik gives Cong Phuong a chance.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-manh-hon-neu-thay-kim-trao-co-hoi-cho-cong-phuong-185250518064711827.htm