Malaysian media: 'Samba boost for Vietnam national team'

Xuan Son and Hoang Hen are becoming the focus of attention, as Malaysian newspapers worry that the Brazilian-origin duo could make a difference for the Vietnamese team in the upcoming rematch.

Malaysian media is paying significant attention to the Vietnamese national team ahead of the rematch with Malaysia in the final round of Group F for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for March 31 at Thien Truong Stadium. In a recent article, The Star described this as a moment when the "Golden Dragon Warriors" could gain a substantial boost in squad quality.

This newspaper emphasized the phrase "Samba boost" for the Vietnamese national team to refer to the strength of coach Kim Sang Sik's squad. Not only the return of Nguyen Xuan Son, Malaysian media also particularly noted Do Hoang Hen, a name seen as potentially adding an explosive element to Vietnam's attack in the upcoming rematch.

According to The Star, the Vietnamese national team is not only welcoming the return of Nguyen Xuan Son, but could also field another Brazilian-origin naturalized player, Hendrio Araujo, now bearing the Vietnamese name Do Hoang Hen. This 32-year-old player is evaluated as capable of performing well both as a winger and an attacking midfielder, thereby providing coach Kim Sang Sik with additional tactical options.

Do Hoang Hen currently plays for Hanoi FC in the V.League and has lived and played in Vietnam for over 5 years. He officially obtained Vietnamese citizenship last October. This season, the Brazilian-origin player impressed with 6 goals in 10 matches in the national championship, a performance sufficient to make Malaysian newspapers view him as a very concerning addition.

Hoang Hen himself could not hide his emotions facing the opportunity to serve the Vietnamese national team. He shared: "This is a dream come true and an opportunity for me to express gratitude for the love and support the Vietnamese people have given me over the years.

Wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey is a great honor. I am very happy, full of motivation, and ready to give my all." This statement was also quoted by Malaysian media as a sign that Hoang Hen is ready to make an impact if given the chance in the match against Malaysia.

Besides the Xuan Son-Hoang Hen duo, The Star also mentioned some overseas Vietnamese faces in this training camp like Filip Nguyen, Dang Van Lam, and Jason Pendant, whose Vietnamese name is Cao Pendant Quang Vinh. Additionally, Doan Van Hau and Tran Dinh Trong also returned, making their first appearance under coach Kim Sang Sik after a long absence.

The Malaysian newspaper article also recalled the forgetful memory of their own team in the first leg. At that time, Malaysia had beaten Vietnam 4-0 in Kuala Lumpur last June, but the result was later annulled and Vietnam was awarded a 3-0 win because the opponent used an ineligible player. Therefore, the appearance of Hoang Hen and Xuan Son makes the rematch even more noteworthy for Malaysians.