Xuân Son leads the attack, and the Vietnam national team awaits its final 'test' against Gangwon.

Following two straight wins in friendlies in South Korea, all attention from the Vietnamese team is now directed at Nguyễn Xuân Son. The naturalized forward is proving his comeback at the perfect moment, before stepping into the biggest test of the training camp alongside coach Kim Sang Sik's men against Gangwon FC.

In the second friendly match against Yongin FC (K.League 2), Xuân Son once again affirmed his value by scoring the decisive 2-1 victory with a trademark header.

Earlier, Hai Long opened the scoring in the 9th minute, but it was Xuân Son's goal in the 75th minute that helped the Vietnam national team wrap up a positive performance against an opponent with much higher professional quality than Siheung FC.

This was also the second consecutive match in which coach Kim Sang Sik used two different lineups for each half to comprehensively evaluate the squad. The result not only brought a victory but also showed that the team's ability to transition, organize defense, and capitalize on opportunities has improved significantly after more than a week of training in Incheon.

While Hai Long continues to maintain consistent form, Xuân Son is sending the most positive signal in attack. After returning to play, the striker born in 1997 is gradually regaining his scoring touch and his ability to operate inside the penalty area—factors expected to help Vietnam increase their offensive firepower ahead of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.

According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will conclude its training camp with a friendly match against Gangwon FC, a representative currently competing in K.League 1. This is considered the strongest opponent that coach Kim Sang Sik's squad will face in South Korea, after having already played Siheung FC (K.League 3) and Yongin FC (K.League 2).

If the previous two matches mainly helped the coaching staff review the squad and test personnel, then the clash with Gangwon FC will be the final test of tactical execution capabilities before the team returns home.

Facing an opponent with the speed, pressing intensity, and professional quality of K.League 1, coach Kim Sang Sik will gain a clearer view of the official framework for the journey to defend the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 title.

For Xuân Son personally, this is also an opportunity for the Vietnam national team's top striker to continue asserting his form.

After his goal against Yongin FC, the striker is expected to continue leading the attack and make his mark in the biggest challenge of the training camp in South Korea.

If he maintains his current performance, Xuân Son can completely become the most important pillar in the attacking front of the Vietnam national team for the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup campaign.