Cong Phuong ends nearly 2 years of 'silence' in Vietnam national team jersey

Vietnam team 2-0 Palestine

Cong Phuong's goal was the turning point that brought victory to the Vietnamese team in the friendly match against Palestine on the evening of September 11. The situation happened in the 61st minute, when Hoang Duc observed his teammate's movement to make a through ball.

Cong Phuong broke free and finished delicately, beating goalkeeper Rami Hamada to score the opening goal. This goal ended Cong Phuong's 638-day streak of not scoring for the national team.

The last time the former HAGL striker scored for the Vietnamese team was in the match against the Malaysian team at the AFF Cup 2020 (taking place at the end of 2021). The Vietnamese team won 3-0 (Quang Hai and Hoang Duc were the authors of the remaining 2 goals).

Since October 2022, the goal in the match between HAGL and Ho Chi Minh City Club, Cong Phuong has gone nearly a year without scoring in official matches. He moved to Yokohama FC and rarely played. It was not until he returned to the Vietnam national team that Cong Phuong regained his scoring touch.

This is Cong Phuong's 30th goal after 74 appearances for the national team.

Cong Phuong ends nearly 2 years of silence for the Vietnamese national team. (Photo: Dac Huy)

Cong Phuong faced many doubts when Coach Troussier called him up to the Vietnam national team. This was a special decision, perhaps because the French coach still wanted to test this striker.

" People often have opinions about Cong Phuong and Van Toan, but the other strikers in the V-League are not in good form. Vietnam really does not have any strikers of continental class. It is too early to exclude them from the national team. Because their level is much higher than the main players in the V-League.

In France, apart from Mbappe, other players have to be regular starters to be selected for the national team. But in Vietnam, we have to do things a little differently. We have to preserve some special players and create opportunities for others, " said Mr. Troussier.

Like Cong Phuong, striker Van Toan was also brought onto the field by coach Troussier in the second half of the match against Palestine. He shone when he assisted Tuan Hai to score in the 78th minute.

Cong Phuong and his teammates defeated the Western representative 2-0. Coach Troussier had his third consecutive win since taking charge of the Vietnamese team.