Vietnam striker: Playing Malaysia is 'something special'

Vietnam's striker Nguyen Xuan Son views Malaysia as a significant challenge in the upcoming ASEAN Cup semifinal, describing the encounter as "special."

Son, a Brazilian-born player, stated that Vietnam approaches the match with high confidence, bolstered by diligent preparation. "I expect tomorrow's match (against Malaysia) will be a big game. Playing Malaysia is indeed something special," Son said during a pre-match press conference. "They have a good squad, and we are coming to Malaysia to give our best performance. I will do my best. I am excited to play in the semifinal because this is a big match. We hope to give a good performance tomorrow."

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I expect tomorrow's match (against Malaysia) will be a big game. Playing Malaysia is indeed something special. They have a good squad, and we are coming to Malaysia to give our best performance. I will do my best. I am excited to play in the semifinal because this is a big match. We hope to give a good performance tomorrow.

Despite scoring only two goals in four appearances this campaign, Son remains a primary threat to Malaysia's defense. The 29-year-old forward is expected to be a crucial player for Vietnam in breaking the deadlock and continuing his strong record with the team. Vietnam has a strong recent record against Malaysia, winning their last five encounters, including a 3-1 victory in their most recent Group F match in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in March.

Son also commented on the pitch conditions at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, noting that the turf is not his preferred type. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to adapt, drawing on his experience playing on similar surfaces in Vietnam. "Honestly, I don't really like this type of grass. But I have played many times in Vietnam in stadiums with similar pitch conditions," he explained. "For me, there is no problem playing in such a situation. Whatever it is, we hope to give a good performance tomorrow."

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Honestly, I don't really like this type of grass. But I have played many times in Vietnam in stadiums with similar pitch conditions. For me, there is no problem playing in such a situation. Whatever it is, we hope to give a good performance tomorrow.