Head coach Kim Sang-sik of the Vietnam national football team speaks at a press briefing ahead of Vietnam vs Myanmar clash due to take place at Viet Tri Stadium on December 21
Head coach Kim Sang-sik has expressed high expectations for a newly naturalized player of Brazilian origin when Vietnam play Myanmar on December 21 in their last group stage match of the ongoing 2024 ASEAN Cup.
Kim confirmed at a press briefing on December 20 that the newly naturalized striker of Brazilian origin Nguyen Xuan Son will play his debut match for Vietnam in the encounter with Myanmar.
“The coaching board is very hopeful about Son’s debut, and we also hope he delivers a great performance as a gift to Vietnamese fans, said Kim.
If Son is fielded, Kim may have to replace one of the strikers who started in the previous three matches. In the 3-4-3 formation with a single striker, Nguyen Tien Linh might have to compete with Son for the starting spot.
However, the coach hinted at the possibility of sending in both players together.
Meanwhile, the newly naturalized striker said he is ready for the match. He also revealed that he had thought about how he would celebrate if he scores against Myanmar.
“I’ve thought about how I’d celebrate my first goal for the Vietnamese national team. It would be a very special memory for me. However, I haven’t decided on a celebration yet, but I’ll do my best on the pitch,” said Son.
After meeting the eligibility criteria, Son is highly likely to start in the match against Myanmar on December 21 evening at Viet Tri Stadium. His presence in the starting lineup marks a significant milestone for the Vietnamese team as they reopen opportunities for naturalized players.
Born in 1997, Son has spent five years playing in Vietnam. Over the past three years, he has been the top scorer in the V.League, breaking multiple records in the Vietnamese national championship.