The day Cong Phuong stepped into the light, the difference with Cong Phuong

The goal in the final match against U.23 Indonesia will have great significance for Nguyen Cong Phuong, who is often confused with his senior Cong Phuong.

Cong Phuong is the hero who helped U.23 Vietnam defeat U.23 Indonesia.

Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang

Teenage hero Nguyen Cong Phuong

In the 37th minute, when the ball was bouncing around in the penalty area of the U.23 Indonesia team, Nguyen Cong Phuong intercepted it nearby and immediately did not hesitate to take a decisive shot, opening the score for the U.23 Vietnam team.

A timely goal in the final match of the U.23 Southeast Asian tournament, the first official major tournament of the 19-year-old midfielder, considered the "youngest brother" of the Vietnam U.23 team.

That will be the goal that Cong Phuong will remember forever, as it marked the first time he boldly stepped into the light, making people clearly remember his name, instead of confusing it with his famous colleague Cong Phuong.

Review of the final match between U.23 Vietnam and U.23 Indonesia: Despite conceding the game, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team still won the championship

U.23 Vietnam players rejoice after Cong Phuong's goal

Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang

Among the many decisions made by coach Kim Sang-sik at the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament, perhaps the most correct was to put Cong Phuong in the starting lineup in the semi-final match against U.23 Philippines.

That surprising decision brought about great results, as the Viettel The Cong Club attacker played extremely steadily, bringing flexibility, freshness and technique to the U.23 Vietnam team's attack.

In fact, if we look back, we can see that coach Kim Sang-sik had prepared for the day when he put Cong Phuong on the field in the second half of the opening match against U.23 Laos, helping him get used to it and become more confident when given the opportunity to start.

Following in the footsteps of senior Hoang Duc

Cong Phuong has a bright future ahead.

Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang

Cong Phuong had a successful tournament in Indonesia, marking an important step forward in his international career. His goal and convincing performance in the final against U.23 Indonesia will open up opportunities for him in the next tournaments.

While Vi Hao is still waiting for time to return and Thanh Nhan needs to improve his "luck" before major tournaments, Cong Phuong's maturity is very good news for the attack line.

But before that, the foundation for the progress of the player born in 2006 came from the investment of The Cong Viettel Club, shown through the number of 20 matches in V-League in the past 2 seasons, especially V-League 2024 - 2025 with 15 matches of the 19-year-old player.

Coach Kim Sang-sik was right to put his trust in Cong Phuong.

Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang

At the end of last season, when coach Popov took over the position of head coach of The Cong Viettel, Cong Phuong was given the opportunity to play continuously, as a continuation of the strategy of gradually implanting him into a top-level environment from the beginning of last season.

With what he has done and the way Mr. Popov often has very good ways to stimulate young players, V-League 2025 - 2026 will be very promising for Cong Phuong, who is expected to be one of the symbols for the new generation of players alongside senior Van Khang after Hoang Duc and Duc Chien leave.

If that comes true, it will be a boost for this young talent, as ahead of him and the Vietnam U.23 team will be many important tournaments such as the 33rd SEA Games at the end of the year, or the U.23 Asian Cup and ASIAD in 2026.

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngay-cong-phuong-buoc-ra-anh-sang-su-khac-biet-voi-cong-phuong-185250729220039484.htm