Xuân Son: 'The Vietnam national team will win'

Forward Nguyễn Xuân Son affirmed that the Vietnam national team has prepared thoroughly for the first leg of the ASEAN Championship 2026 semifinal against Malaysia, and the team's goal is to secure victory on away soil.

Speaking at the press conference before the first leg of the ASEAN Championship 2026 semifinal, Xuân Son stated that he does not place heavy emphasis on proving himself. What matters most to the Vietnam national team striker is fulfilling his duties well and contributing to the team's overall objective.

"To be honest, I don't want to prove anything. I don't need to prove anything. I just want to do my job well in a big match," Xuân Son shared.

According to the Vietnam national team striker, thorough preparation will play a crucial role in the clash with Malaysia.

"The most important thing tomorrow is to perform well to secure a win for Vietnam. I think the key is still preparation. The team has trained for this match, and we will give our best," Xuân Son affirmed.

One of the issues Xuân Son mentioned is the pitch conditions in Kuala Lumpur. The striker admitted he is not entirely comfortable with the type of grass that will be used in the first leg of the semifinal.

"To be honest, I don't like this turf. For me, it feels like a hard and cold surface. I've played on such pitches many times in Vietnam and struggled in those conditions," Xuân Son said.

Nevertheless, the pitch conditions do not affect the determination of Xuân Son and his teammates. "Tomorrow we will play, no problem. I hope we will perform better and achieve a result," the Vietnam national team striker said.

Xuân Son described the clash with Malaysia as a big and special match. He also expressed respect for the quality of the opponent's squad.

"Of course, I look forward to playing in big matches like this. Facing Malaysia is always special. They have a good squad, and you can expect a lot from the opponent tomorrow," Xuân Son commented.

According to Xuân Son, the Vietnam national team enters the semifinal with high confidence following the preparation of coach Kim Sang Sik and the coaching staff.

"We came here to play well. The team has confidence, and we also have good players. I think head coach Kim Sang Sik, the coaching staff, and the whole team have prepared very well for tomorrow. I just want to give my best.

"The whole team is also very excited about the semifinal. This is a big match, and we hope to play well and win tomorrow," Xuân Son shared.

When asked about Malaysian players capable of making a difference, Xuân Son noted that the opponent's lineup has changed significantly since the last time the two teams met. After studying the footage, the Vietnam national team striker particularly praised Malaysia's midfield and wingers.

"I think this lineup is very different from the previous match against Vietnam. They have good players. The midfield and the wingers—I've watched videos and analyzed them—they are good players," Xuân Son said.

However, the Vietnam national team striker believes the most important thing is to focus on their own preparation rather than paying too much attention to the opponent.

"We don't think too much about Malaysia. If we prepare well, train well, and follow the plan, I think everything will be fine," Xuân Son affirmed.

The first leg of the semifinal between Malaysia and Vietnam will take place at 8:00 PM on August 16 at Kuala Lumpur Stadium.