Coach Kim Sang Sik did not call Cong Phuong a waste...

Since the friendly match with Palestine in September 2023, striker Cong Phuong has returned to the Vietnamese team, in preparation for the decisive match with Malaysia, the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup. This is also the first time the striker from Nghe An has worked with coach Kim Sang Sik.

According to commentator Quang Huy, Cong Phuong deserves to be named by coach Kim Sang Sik in this training session, but for a striker who is already 30 years old, it will be a big challenge, especially in the match against Malaysia with great pressure.

However, when called up to the national team, this is also an opportunity for the Binh Phuoc Club striker to affirm his value and still be necessary for the national team.

Cong Phuong longs to return to the Vietnam national team and coach Kim Sang Sik has given him the nod. Photo: Binh Phuoc Club

"Before Cong Phuong was called up, he was in good form at Binh Phuoc Club. Although he only played in the First Division, the fact that Cong Phuong scored regularly was commendable.

I think that in the context of Nguyen Xuan Son and Vi Hao being out for a long time, Van Toan recently being injured, and Tien Linh losing form after 9 matches without scoring in the V-League, it is reasonable for coach Kim Sang Sik to call Cong Phuong. If not calling Cong Phuong is a big waste," said commentator Quang Huy.

"However, Cong Phuong is 30 years old and has not been called up to the Vietnam national team for nearly 2 years, so we have to wait and see how quickly he adapts. Only when Cong Phuong can he get into the rhythm can coach Kim Sang Sik trust him. As a player who has played as a striker for many years, I personally think he can understand coach Kim Sang Sik's philosophy.

Is Cong Phuong still needed for the Vietnam team? Photo: SN

In case Cong Phuong does not score, he may not be used in the upcoming match against Malaysia, or only play a few minutes. Of course, as fans, we always hope Phuong will shine when he joins the Vietnam national team. This player brings a lot of inspiration not only to the team but also to the viewers," commented commentator Quang Huy.

Before returning to the Vietnam national team, Cong Phuong led the "bombing" list in the 2024/25 National First Division with 7 goals for Binh Phuoc Club. Including the National Cup, the striker born in 1995 scored 9 goals.

Scoring from set pieces, along with his ability to create, plus his experience and determination, are the strengths that helped the striker from Do Luong conquer coach Kim Sang Sik.