Cong Phuong was injured, coach Kim Sang Sik suddenly called the name of HAGL's 'jewel'?

Nguyen Cong Phuong was forced to say goodbye to the Vietnamese team due to an injury to the soles of his feet.

His absence is a great loss, leaving many regrets for fans as well as the coaching staff. However, soon after, a young face full of potential was called up – Nguyen Quoc Viet. The summoning of Quoc Viet is not only an alternative, but also considered a signal for a new direction of Vietnamese football in the generational transition period.

Born in 2003, Nguyen Quoc Viet is one of the rare children to make a strong impression in domestic youth tournaments. He has won the title of Top Scorer at all three levels of the National Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 – something very few young players can do. These achievements show the stability in performance and remarkable goal-scoring ability of the Quang Ninh striker. Currently, Quoc Viet is on the payroll of HAGL Club, where he is considered a "jewel" in the long-term training strategy that Bau Duc has persistently pursued for many years.

In the 2025 season, Quoc Viet was loaned by HAGL to Phu Dong Ninh Binh Club to compete in the National First Division. This is a reasonable step to create conditions for him to have more opportunities to compete in practice, accumulate experience and improve himself. At Phu Dong Club, Nguyen Quoc Viet was able to play more often, thereby gradually regaining the killer instinct that made his name at the youth levels. With the performance gradually stabilizing again, Quoc Viet is expected to return to play for HAGL next season in a more important role.

In the context that Cong Phuong could not continue to accompany the team due to injury, coach Kim Sang Sik decided to choose Quoc Viet to fill the gap in the attack. This is not an unexpected choice. Previously, Quoc was born in 2003 and was named in the preliminary summons list of the Korean coach. At the same time, he is also the pillar of Vietnam U22, currently training at the Youth Football Training Center. This shows that the coaching staff has carefully prepared for this personnel transition.

Cong Phuong used to be a symbol of a golden generation of Vietnamese football. He brings breakthroughs, inspires fans and contributes to bringing the country's football to the continental level. From explosive moments in the U19 Vietnam shirt to important goals in major tournaments, Cong Phuong has always been a special name in the hearts of fans. The fact that he had to part with the team because of an injury was obviously a loss, not only professionally but also mentally.

However, the appearance of Nguyen Quoc Viet at this time opened up a new opportunity for the team. He is not a copy of Cong Phuong. Quoc Viet does not possess the artistry or improvised breakthrough situations like his senior, but in return, he has a solid technical background, a modern football mindset and especially the ability to finish coldly in the box. Those qualities make him suitable for the style of play that coach Kim Sang Sik is building – a style of play that is oriented towards speed, high organization and maximum efficiency in each handling.

It can be said that Quoc Viet is entering the pivotal stage of his career when he was given the opportunity to play for the national team for the first time in an important campaign. This is not only the filling of the position left by Cong Phuong, but the beginning of a longer journey – the journey of building an image, affirming capacity and gradually becoming a new pillar of the Vietnamese team. He carries not only personal aspirations, but also great responsibility in the team's shirt.

According to the plan, the Vietnamese team will continue to maintain training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center in the coming days. It is expected that coach Kim Sang Sik will have an internal practice match with the Vietnam U22 team. This is an opportunity for the coaching staff to review the forces, the ability to coordinate between positions as well as adjust tactics before the whole team officially leaves for Malaysia on June 6, preparing for the match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.

Forgotten 'legend' Cong Phuong regains his glory, scores two super goals Hanni14:01:22 21/04/2025Cong Phuong used to be a football legend of the Vietnam national team, but he had a period of poor performance and became obscure in the public's mind. After a difficult time with his career, the male striker was able to recreate history and shine once again.