Vietnam national team striker admits one thing after 6-0 victory

Forward Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong expressed his feelings after netting his maiden goal in a Vietnam shirt, also stating his resolve to fight for a place in the ASEAN Championship 2026 squad.

The Vietnam national team quickly returned to training mode in Incheon (South Korea) following a 6-0 win over Siheung FC in their first friendly match during the training camp preparing for the ASEAN Championship 2026. In the afternoon session on July 6, head coach Kim Sang Sik and his staff adjusted the training plan toward recovery while still maintaining high intensity. Notably, striker Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong shared significant remarks after making his mark with the opening goal in the recent match.

This was the first time Viet Cuong put his name on the scoresheet for the Vietnam national team, even if it was only a friendly. The young forward stated that this goal carries special meaning, providing extra motivation for him to keep striving in the competition for a forward position. "This is my first goal for the national team, even though it was just a training match. It gives me more drive and confidence to continue working hard in training and upcoming games."

After the match against Siheung FC, the coaching staff mainly had the players perform small-group combination exercises to maintain ball feel and high-speed handling ability. Although recovery-focused, the training content was still intensified, especially in 6x6 scrimmages, to help the team maintain their physical foundation before facing tougher challenges.

Ahead of the Vietnam team are two friendly matches against Yongin FC (K.League 2) and Gangwon FC (K.League 1), opponents rated as having higher professional quality. Viet Cuong understands that this will be a key opportunity for each player to assert themselves and be ready when given the chance. "The next two matches will be tougher. If the coaching staff gives me the opportunity, I will try my best to play to the fullest and complete my tasks well."

Additionally, the forward born in 2000 also considers the competition in the national team's forward line a positive factor that helps players improve every day. He said that coach Kim Sang Sik frequently talks individually with each player to provide extra motivation and help them better understand their roles in the tactical system. "The national team's forward line currently has many quality players. I see the competition as motivation to work harder in training and to compete based on my own abilities."

When asked about the teammate he most wants to partner with up front, Viet Cuong did not hesitate to mention Nguyen Xuan Son. "If I had to choose, I would really like to play with brother Xuan Son because I really admire his playing style." According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will continue training in Incheon before facing Yongin FC on July 8. This is seen as an important test for coach Kim Sang Sik to further assess the squad and refine tactical patterns before the team returns home to prepare for a friendly with Myanmar and aim for the ASEAN Championship 2026.