Nguyễn Xuân Son (12) scoring Việt Nam's third goal and doubling his tally in the match against Malaysia at Thiên Trường Stadium on Tuesday. VNA/VNS Photo

Anh Đức

NAM ĐỊNH — Striker Nguyễn Xuân Son took to Instagram with a promise he would return and settle the score after Việt Nam’s 4-0 loss to Malaysia last year, later overturned, and nine months on he made good on it with a display that spoke louder than words.

The Brazilian-born forward delivered on his vow, silencing critics with a performance befitting a star. A double from Son and a goal from captain Đỗ Duy Mạnh were enough to secure a 3-1 victory for the Golden Star Warriors on Tuesday. Endrick pulled one back for Malaysia from the penalty spot, but it came too late to alter the outcome.

Had it not been for the Asian Football Confederation's verdict against Malaysia for breaching player eligibility rules, the stakes at Thiên Trường Stadium would have been far higher. The reversal of Malaysia’s two victories against Việt Nam and Nepal confirmed the Golden Star Warriors’ qualification, rendering the fixture closer to a friendly between regional rivals.

That, however, was not how it unfolded on the pitch. Both sides began with clear intent, with Malaysia making all the early running and forcing two early efforts.

Set pieces once again proved a strength of Kim Sang-sik’s side, echoing their earlier displays in the U23 fixtures this year. The advantage came as early as the sixth minute when Trương Tiến Anh’s inswinging corner picked out Duy Mạnh, who rose above the Malaysian defence to head home.

With a goal to the good, the men in red grew in confidence late in the first half. In the 23rd minute, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức’s effort from 30 metres struck the crossbar with Syihan Hazmi beaten, nearly lifting Thiên Trường Stadium.

Alongside Xuân Son, Đỗ Hoàng Hên, a naturalised forward, was also familiar with the venue and had not scored for the national team since his debut against Bangladesh.

In the 32nd minute, Hên came close with a first-time strike inside the box but Hazmi produced a strong save to deny him.

Hên made an impact early in the second half. In the 51st minute, his cross found Son unmarked at the near post and Việt Nam’s number 12 headed home to make it 2-0. Son celebrated the goal by pointing to his abdominal muscles in response to comments about his fitness during the week.

The forward, who had celebrated his birthday a day earlier, added a second eight minutes later, again with a header, as Trương Tiến Anh’s cross picked him out inside the box. The ball went into the top left corner beyond Hazmi.

Việt Nam had chances to match Malaysia’s four goals, from their meeting in Kuala Lumpur last June, but debutant Nguyễn Trần Việt Cường failed to convert two clear opportunities.

Malaysia were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute after Đoàn Văn Hậu was ruled to have fouled an opponent inside the box. Filip Nguyễn guessed correctly but Endrick’s strike was too powerful as Malaysia reduced the deficit.

The visitors pushed forward in the closing stages, but Việt Nam held on to secure the win and complete their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with six victories.

"I worked hard for this," said Nguyễn Xuân Son after the match. "During the week, people were saying things about me, my body. But I still score, that's what I do."

The result confirmed Việt Nam’s perfect third-round qualifying campaign with 18 points and extended coach Kim Sang-sik’s winning run against regional opponents to 13 matches.

Kim and his players will return in July, with the ASEAN Championship, the FIFA ASEAN Cup and the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January 2027 ahead. — VNS