The 27-year-old, born Rafaelson, made history as the first player without Vietnamese heritage to represent the national team in an official match, delivering a flawless performance, at least according to statistical analysis.
Son, the first player to score more than 30 goals in a V. League season, completed his naturalization to become a Vietnamese citizen and adopted the Vietnamese name in September.
Sofascorea global leader in sports statistics founded in Croatia in 2010, evaluated Son’s performance, naming him the player of the match and awarding him the first perfect 10 ever achieved by a Vietnamese player in an official game.
Nguyen Xuan Son (R) raises Vietnam-Myanmar score to 4-0 with a left-footed shot at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho Province, Dec. 21, 2024. Photo by Read/Hieu Luong |
Son scored two goals and provided two assists during his debut at Viet Tri Stadium in northern Phu Tho Province. His contributions included a precise cross that set up Bui Vi Hao’s opening goal.
Vi Hao ranked second with a score of 8.4 for his goal and assist, while Nguyen Quang Hai followed with an 8.2 rating after scoring once.
Son’s achievement marked another milestone: he became the first Vietnamese player to contribute to four goals in a single ASEAN Cup match since Phan Thanh Binh accomplished the feat against Laos in 2007.
Standout performance
Sofascore’s ratings go beyond goals and assists, incorporating elements like key passes, dribbles, and overall impact.
Son made six key passes that led to shots, including four significant scoring opportunities for teammates. Notably, he delivered a through ball that enabled Nguyen Tien Linh to face the goalkeeper and seal the 5-0 scoreline.
Nguyen Xuan Son’s performance in Vietnam’s 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the ASEAN Cup group stage at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho Province, Dec. 21, 2024.
Son’s first goal came from a pass by Vi Hao. After receiving the ball at the edge of the penalty area, Son feinted a shot, cut left, and fired a low strike into the far corner. His second goal was a stunning left-footed strike from the right side of the box into the top corner. He also successfully dribbled past opponents three times during the match.
The Nam Dinh FC forward played the entire 90 minutes and was even consulted by head coach Kim Sang-sik about potential substitutions.
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Nguyen Xuan Son kisses the Vietnamese flag on his jersey inin Vietnam’s 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the ASEAN Cup group stage at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho Province, Dec. 21, 2024.. Photo by Read/Hieu Luong |
Son expressed his desire to stay on the pitch and celebrated each goal by kissing the Vietnamese flag on his jersey.
“I will never forget this day,” he said after the game.
Saturday’s win secured Vietnam’s top spot in Group B and set up a semifinal clash with Singapore. The first leg is scheduled for Dec. 26 on the artificial turf of Jalan Besar Stadium, while the second leg will take place three days later at Viet Tri Stadium.
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