Xuân Son patiently returns at the right time

The header that found the back of Malaysia's net in the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal first leg was a moment that not only secured an edge for Vietnam but also freed Xuân Son from the weight of expectations.

After scoring against Timor Leste in the opening match,Xuân Sonhad to wait until the semifinal to rediscover the feeling of scoring.

A long enough period for questions about his form to arise, not only among fans but also within himself, as Son was surely very dissatisfied with his performance.

The striker born in 1997 no longer consistently produced goals as before, sometimes showing heaviness after injury, and more importantly, opponents had learned exactly how to contain him.

Xuân Son was closely marked, bumped, and had his space restricted. But he did not turn that silence into pressure.

On the contrary, the Nam Định striker chose patience. "I am always ready; sometimes I only need a single pass,"Xuân Sonshared after the win over Malaysia. And true to his words, the decisive opportunity came just once at the end of the first half.

In a tight game where Malaysia played cautiously, had more possession, and caused plenty of trouble for Vietnam, Tiến Anh suddenly created a moment of difference with a perfect touch and cross from the right flank. Xuân Son immediately moved, selected the right spot, and launched himself to head the ball into Malaysia's net.

A goal worth more than just a 1-0 lead. It was a statement that Xuân Son is still there, still the most fearsome weapon of Vietnam in the penalty area. With just a tiny gap and a good enough pass, he can turn it into a goal.

Notably, this was Xuân Son's third goal against Malaysia in just five months. Two of them came from Trương Tiến Anh's passes. That is no mere coincidence. Tiến Anh understands how Xuân Son moves, knows that this striker is strongest in aerial duels and in-box battles.

In the match in Kuala Lumpur, Son didn't just score. He constantly tormented Malaysia's defense with physical hold-ups, bursts of speed, and one-on-one challenges. His ability to retain the ball gave Vietnam extra time to organize counterattacks when under pressure from the opponent.

After the match, Xuân Son admitted he enjoys such games. "Those are the matches with high physical demands, where my physique and stamina can be brought into play," he shared.

The striker born in 1997 refused to become a shadow of his former self. He patiently trained, waited for his chance, and whenCoach Kim Sang Sikgave him the starting spot back, Son responded with the most timely goal.

At 29, Son understands that the competition in Vietnam's attack is not easy. Đình Bắc is in great form, and many other players are ready to make a difference. But with the personality of a center-forward who always wants to prove himself, Xuân Son does not easily accept being behind anyone.

The goal in Kuala Lumpur can therefore be seen as a declaration of his return. Vietnam now holds a 2-0 advantage ahead of the second leg. And if the top striker ofCoach Kim Sang Sikcontinues to maintain this form, the attack with 14 goals since the start of the tournament will become even more formidable.

Now, fans can expect a different Xuân Son at Mỹ Đình - more confident, more relaxed, and ready to continue hunting goals on the journey to defend the ASEAN Cup title.