Xuân Son declares firm stance ahead of rematch with Malaysia

Forward Nguyễn Xuân Son affirms his determination to help the Vietnam national team secure victory against Malaysia, despite the opponent having been penalized with a loss and the upcoming match no longer holding significant meaning in terms of points.

Previously, due to violating naturalization regulations, Malaysia was penalized with a 0-3 loss in two matches against the Vietnam and Nepal national teams that took place last year. This penalty caused the team nicknamed Harimau Malaya to drop from the top position in Group F to second place, trailing the Vietnam national team by 6 points and officially losing their chance to participate in the 2027 Asian Cup Finals. Therefore, the rematch between the two teams at Thiên Trường Stadium (Ninh Bình) on March 31st now only carries procedural significance.

Nevertheless, this does not diminish the determination of the Vietnamese players, especially Nguyễn Xuân Son. After helping Nam Định Club secure a 2-1 victory against Đà Nẵng in the National Cup quarter-finals, the striker born in 1997 stated he is ready to return to serve the national team.

Xuân Son shared: “The situation with Malaysia does not change my goal, because every time I play for the Vietnam national team is very special. I will strive to win because the fans always enjoy that. I believe my teammates think the same, and currently I feel like I'm already on the national team.”

In the first leg match at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Xuân Son could not participate due to a severe injury sustained during the 2024 ASEAN Cup final. At that time, the Vietnam national team suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat. After the match, he posted a message hinting at the rematch date of March 31, 2026, expressing his determination to return and help the team improve the result.

Xuân Son's influence in the Vietnam national team jersey is very evident. After only 6 appearances, he has scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists. During the November 2025 training camp, this striker scored the opening goal from a penalty, contributing to Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Laos, and marking his return after more than 10 months of injury recovery.

In the Nam Định Club jersey, Xuân Son also displayed impressive form in the Southeast Asian Club Cup with 7 goals in 3 matches. However, in domestic competitions like V.League and the National Cup, he has only scored 2 goals in 8 appearances. According to coach Vũ Hồng Việt, Xuân Son's issue is not about his form but merely a lack of luck, as many of his shots have been denied by the goal frame.