Xuân Son receives praise ahead of Vietnam national team gathering

Forward Nguyễn Xuân Son received compliments and encouragement after scoring a goal that helped Blue Steel Nam Định Club overcome SHB Đà Nẵng in the quarter-finals of the National Cup, just days before joining the Vietnam national team.

"Đà Nẵng deployed personnel to tightly block Xuân Son. Whenever Son had the ball, there were always two or three of Đà Nẵng's defenders positioned in front and behind to control him. Xuân Son faced difficulties whenever he received the ball, but he still managed to score, which is a very positive aspect," coach Vũ Hồng Việt commented after yesterday's match on March 18 at Chi Lăng Stadium.

In the 27th minute of the match, from a well-organized free-kick situation, the striker born in 1997 chose the precise position to head the ball close to the goal, opening the score for Blue Steel Nam Định Club.

This was a pivotal moment that helped Blue Steel Nam Định seize the advantage, before closing the match with a 2-1 victory to become the first team to reach the semi-finals of the 2025/26 National Cup.

"Everyone knows that I and Hoàng Hên have played together at the club, so we understand each other very well. Our coordination and synergy are also excellent. However, at this moment, the most important thing is to contribute to the Vietnam national team.

We want to fight for the flag and jersey, for the pride of our country, and also for the fans who have always cheered and encouraged us. Therefore, like many other players, I am very eager to join the Vietnam national team," Xuân Son said in a post-match interview.

According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will gather in Hanoi from March 21. The group of players participating in the 2025/26 National Cup quarter-finals and the postponed Round 13 match of V.League 2025/26 will join later.

During this FIFA Days period, the national team will have an international friendly match against Bangladesh at 7:00 PM on March 26 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium (Hanoi), before moving to Ninh Bình to prepare for hosting Malaysia at Thiên Trường Stadium on March 31 within the framework of the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifying round.

Alongside Nguyễn Xuân Son and Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, naturalized players who have established their positions, this list also marks the first appearance of midfielder Đỗ Hoàng Hên (Hendrio Araujo).

This player officially became a Vietnamese citizen in October 2025 and is highly regarded for his individual technique, creativity, and collaborative play style. Joining Vietnamese football in 2021 with Bình Định Club, Đỗ Hoàng Hên now has over five years of playing experience and has accumulated significant experience in V-League.