Nguyen Xuan Son continued to shine as the hero of the Vietnamese national team, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Thailand in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final.

With his brace, Xuan Son set several new records. He became the first Vietnamese player to score in four consecutive matches in the region’s top football tournament. This achievement surpasses the long-standing record set by football legend Le Huynh Duc, who scored in three consecutive matches during the 1996 Tiger Cup.

Additionally, Xuan Son now holds the record for the most goals scored by a Vietnamese player in a single ASEAN Cup campaign. His tally of seven goals surpasses the previous record of six goals held jointly by Le Huynh Duc (Tiger Cup 2002) and Nguyen Tien Linh (AFF Cup 2022).

Since making his debut for Vietnam against Myanmar on December 21, 2024, Xuan Son has consistently found the back of the net, leading the tournament’s scoring charts. With the second leg of the final still to come, the 27-year-old striker has a chance to extend his record further.

“I don’t care what others say. I only focus on my performance, supporting my teammates, and helping the team win,” Xuan Son said.

Xuan Son attributed much of his success to the quality of his teammates, particularly Hoang Duc.

“Hoang Duc is an exceptional player who makes it easier for me to play. He has great vision and understands how I move, delivering passes that fit perfectly. Playing alongside Hoang Duc and Quang Hai allows us to interchange positions frequently, creating flexibility for the team,” Xuan Son remarked.

Dai Nam