Singapore journalist compares Nguyen Xuan Son to Haaland before ASEAN Cup match
Ahead of the Vietnam vs. Singapore match at the ASEAN Cup 2026 on July 31 at My Dinh Stadium, Singapore journalist David Lee of The Straits Times highlights striker Nguyen Xuan Son, dubbing him "Haaland of Hanoi" for his playing style and impressive scoring record. Xuan Son scored three goals to help Vietnam defeat Singapore 5-1 in the 2024 ASEAN Cup semi-finals. Singapore is enduring a 16-match winless streak against Vietnam, while Vietnam boasts 18 undefeated matches and is the top favorite to win the tournament.
Key facts
- Nguyen Xuan Son scored three goals in Vietnam's 5-1 win over Singapore in 2024 ASEAN Cup semi-finals
- Singapore has not won against Vietnam in 16 consecutive matches
- Vietnam remains undefeated in 18 matches and is favourite to win the ASEAN Cup 2026
Why it matters
The comparison of Nguyen Xuan Son to a top international striker highlights Vietnam's growing football talent and dominance in the ASEAN region. For Vietnamese fans and supporters, this underscores the strength of their national team as they prepare to defend their title against a historically challenging opponent in Singapore, enhancing regional football rivalries and raising Vietnam’s profile in Southeast Asian sports.
Source and method
This brief was written by Daily Vietnam's editing desk from a report published by Thanh Niên - Thể thao, using AI assistance and a fixed editorial structure. It contains only facts established by that report and adds nothing from outside it. It is a summary for readers who do not read Vietnamese, not a replacement for the original. All reporting credit belongs to Thanh Niên - Thể thao.
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