The Vietnam national football team delivered a stunning 5-0 victory over Myanmar to cap off an unbeaten group stage in the ASEAN Cup 2024.

Myanmar was considered the underdog coming into the match, as Vietnam held a significant advantage in both skill and preparation under head coach Kim Sang Sik.

On the field, Vietnam’s dominance was evident from the start. With Nguyen Xuan Son leading the attack, the team showcased its superiority in all aspects of the game.

Despite Myanmar's efforts to contain Xuan Son, the visitors relied heavily on luck to hold Vietnam scoreless through the first half. However, they could not withstand the relentless attacks after the break.

Vietnam scored five goals in the second half, with countless dangerous attempts highlighting the team’s attacking prowess.

Xuan Son’s outstanding debut

This match marked the debut of naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, whose presence significantly elevated Vietnam's attacking strength.

Xuan Son, known for his record-breaking scoring ability in the V-League, brought physicality, skill, and tactical intelligence to Vietnam’s frontline.

His performance went beyond expectations, as he excelled in scoring, creating opportunities for teammates, and drawing defenders away from key positions.

Even misplaced passes by teammates were converted into decisive moments thanks to Xuan Son’s ability to adapt and capitalize.

His contributions were pivotal to Vietnam’s flawless performance, which left fans confident about the team's prospects in the tournament.

He set up Vi Hao’s opening goal just three minutes into the second half and followed with his own strike in the 55th minute to double the lead.

Xuan Son added a second goal in the 90th minute before assisting Tien Linh to seal the emphatic 5-0 victory two minutes later.

His remarkable performance earned him a perfect 10 rating from Sofascore, a first for a Vietnamese national team player.

Tactical brilliance from Coach Kim Sang Sik

Coach Kim Sang Sik also played a crucial role in the victory by deploying a well-planned 3-4-3 formation.

Pairing Xuan Son with the speedy Vo Vi Hao and Van Toan proved effective in exploiting Myanmar’s defense, while providing flexibility to drop into a defensive 5-4-1 setup when necessary.

Kim’s decision to start players like Van Vi and Van Toan further showcased his strategic foresight, as these players had strong chemistry with Xuan Son and contributed to Vietnam’s explosive start.

With this comprehensive display, Vietnam’s supporters are now looking ahead to the semi-finals and even the championship match of the ASEAN Cup 2024.

As the semi-finals approach, where Vietnam will face Singapore, Xuan Son’s confidence and form are expected to be crucial in the team’s pursuit of the championship title.

Duy Nguyen