FIFA writes… a poem for Xuan Son, Southeast Asian newspaper makes surprising comments on the day the hero returns

On the evening of November 19, the Vietnamese team won 2-0 against the Lao team in the 5th round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. This important victory helped coach Kim Sang-sik and his team gain 12 points, ranking 2nd in Group F and continuing the race for a ticket to the Asian Finals. On his return, Xuan Son scored a goal from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. In the 90+3 minute, Tuan Hai jumped up and made a beautiful hook, scoring the 2nd goal for the Vietnamese team.

The appearance of Xuan Son is a big highlight

Immediately after the match at the Lao National Stadium ended, Malaysia's Makan Bola website commented: "The Vietnamese team fielded an extremely strong squad, with excellent players such as Nguyen Tien Linh, Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Quang Hai. Throughout the match, the Vietnamese team also dominated the attack, controlled the game and continuously launched dangerous shots. Even in the first half, a golden opportunity came to Tien Linh in the 31st minute but this striker missed the goal.

Xuan Son 'opened the fire' on his return, Tuan Hai scored a super goal against the Laos team

However, the second half was a completely different story. In particular, the appearance of Xuan Son became a huge highlight. The Vietnamese team overcame the pressure of tens of thousands of Lao spectators, scoring 2 goals. Xuan Son opened the score for the Vietnamese team with a cool penalty kick. For the second goal, Pham Tuan Hai jumped up and kicked the ball beautifully, ending all hopes of the Lao team. This is considered an important victory for Mr. Kim Sang-sik's team, helping them continue to compete fiercely with Malaysia in Group F.

Despite not having a perfect performance, Xuan Son still received great attention from the Southeast Asian media.

PHOTO: THUY AN

In Thailand, the match between the Vietnamese team and the Lao team received great attention. The sports newspaper Siamsport also paid special attention to the return of Xuan Son: “After more than 300 days, the player who scored 2 goals against the Thai team in the final of the ASEAN Cup 2024, Xuan Son, has returned to play for the Vietnamese team. Immediately, this naturalized striker showed his influence with a goal from the penalty spot, thereby opening up a 2-0 victory for the Vietnamese team. In terms of performance, Xuan Son is still not as excellent as what he did nearly a year ago. However, his spirit and the difference he brings to the attack are still commendable.”

The Thai newspaper also made surprising predictions about the situation of Group F: “The Vietnamese team currently has 12 points, ranking second in Group F, 3 points behind Malaysia. In theory, the Vietnamese team must win the final match and the important condition is to win by at least 4 goals to have a chance to continue. Because in the first match between the two teams, Malaysia won 4-0 at home. However, it is likely that without waiting for the match between the two teams next year, the Vietnamese team can still completely win an early ticket to the Asian Cup if the Malaysian team is fined for falsifying naturalization documents of 7 players. The Malaysian team is at a big disadvantage in this matter and has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Currently, the final conclusion is still waiting for FIFA and AFC to consider.”

Thai newspapers still haven't forgotten the two goals Xuan Son scored against the Thai team at the ASEAN Cup 2024.

PHOTO: THUY AN

Xuan Son's image also appeared on FIFA's page.

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

In addition to comments from Southeast Asian media, the official Facebook page of the World Football Federation (FIFA) also welcomed Xuan Son's return by posting a photo with the status line: "Cactus blossoms. People flock to eat banana cake. It is the day Son returns to the world."