Reason Nguyen Xuan Son Wasn't a Starter When Vietnam Beat Indonesia

Vietnamese forward Nguyen Xuan Son revealed that player rotation was the reason he did not start in his team's decisive 3-0 victory over Indonesia in the AFF Cup 2026. The match took place at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, West Java.

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No, we have many matches. Sometimes I need to rest. Sometimes other players have the opportunity to play.

Son explained that the team's demanding tournament schedule necessitates rotating players to ensure optimal performance. "No, we have many matches. Sometimes I need to rest. Sometimes other players have the opportunity to play," Son stated after the game. He emphasized that every player in the squad has an equal chance to feature, a strategy designed to help the team achieve maximum results in each fixture.

The most crucial outcome for Vietnam, according to Son, was securing three points. He came off the bench in the 63rd minute, replacing Nguyen Tai Loc, and quickly made an impact by scoring Vietnam's third goal just eight minutes later. This goal sealed the comprehensive win, adding to earlier strikes by Nguyen Van Vi in the sixth minute and Nguyen Hai Long in the 15th minute.

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The most important thing is we got three points. Now we go back to Vietnam.

Son also expressed the team's determination to bounce back after a less satisfactory performance in their previous match against Singapore. He asserted that the team played well and fought for the Vietnamese people, who desired a victory. This win propelled Vietnam to the top of Group A with seven points from three matches, ahead of Singapore on goal difference. Indonesia now sits third with six points and faces a must-win scenario against Singapore in their final group game to qualify for the semifinals.

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Of course we have a team that can do it. We play well and fight because the Vietnamese people want us to win. We give everything for them.