Vietnam national team’s number 7 scores his first goal after 7 years

After over 7 years representing Vietnam’s national team, Xuân Mạnh achieved his first goal in the match versus Nepal.

Against Nepal, coach Kim Sang Sik continued to position Xuân Mạnh as the right-sided defender in a three-center-back formation alongside Duy Mạnh and Bùi Tiến Dũng. This is a familiar role for Xuân Mạnh under coach Kim Sang Sik, especially during the 2024 AFF Cup where the Hanoi defender performed impressively in this position.

Although Xuân Mạnh usually plays as a center-back despite his natural position being a full-back, he has had very few chances to score. However, against Nepal, the 1996-born star seized an opportunity to net a goal. In the 67th minute, capitalizing on a poor punch from the Nepalese goalkeeper, Xuân Mạnh quickly followed up with a shot to increase the score to 2-1.

This goal holds great significance for the Vietnam team, who were struggling despite having a numerical advantage. After Nepal equalized at 1-1, coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad had several chances but couldn’t find the net again. Xuân Mạnh’s goal eased the pressure and Vietnam added one more goal to secure a 3-1 victory.

For Xuân Mạnh personally, this is his first goal for the Vietnam national team after more than 7 years and a total of 19 appearances. He made his national team debut in March 2018 against Jordan in the 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers. Since then, this is his inaugural goal.

Phạm Xuân Mạnh, who was voted as “The best player of the match,” shared his special feelings after scoring his first goal for the national team: “I’m very happy to score my first goal for the Vietnam national team. It was a tough match, but after the opponents received a red card, we found it easier to play and made good use of our chances to win.

This victory earned us 3 points, helping Vietnam continue to compete for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Our team will strive even harder to keep winning and aim for the top position in the rankings."