Coach Kim Sang Sik cares about Xuan Son and Tien Linh.

Both Nam Dinh and Cong An Ha Noi are vying for a place in the V-League's top five and have a direct clash in the National Cup semifinal on June 11. That match is not just about reaching the final; it is also a head-to-head battle between Xuan Son and Tien Linh, who are regarded as the two main attacking prospects for the Vietnam national team.

At present, the difference in status between the two forwards is quite stark. Xuan Son is still seen as the number one striker for Vietnam under Coach Kim Sang Sik, while Tien Linh is no longer the first-choice option.

Therefore, the encounter at Thien Truong Stadium carries greater significance than a typical semifinal. It serves as a final test before the squad gathers to prepare for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

If Xuan Son aims to reaffirm his top status, Tien Linh is fighting to prove he is not past his prime. This season has been a difficult period for the captain of Hanoi Police FC. The 2024 Vietnam Golden Ball winner has spent over half a year struggling with poor form.

But the 1997-born striker has not given up despite facing much doubt. Two crucial goals against SLNA and The Cong Viettel late in the season show that Tien Linh is gradually rediscovering his best form.

Although he has only 5 goals in the V-League this season, the player with the third-highest goal tally in Vietnamese football history remains one of the best domestic forwards.

More importantly, his fighting spirit has never faded. Tien Linh knows that the chance to return to the Vietnam national team will only come when he lifts himself out of this tough phase. The match against Hanoi FC in the final V-League round and then the National Cup semifinal are both opportunities for the 29-year-old striker to send a message to Coach Kim Sang Sik that he still has value.

On the other side, Xuan Son also has his own motivations. After a long quiet spell, the 29-year-old striker just erupted with a hat-trick against SLNA. Those three goals are a strong statement that Xuan Son is back and Nam Dinh remains a formidable force.

Six goals in 13 matches is not a good record for Soncompared to the level of the 29-year-old striker. But the important thing is that Xuan Son is regaining his scoring touch at the right time. Nam Dinh has gone through many ups and downs this season and lost its standing. Therefore, the National Cup has become the most crucial target to avoid a trophy-less campaign. Xuan Son is the hope of the southern team.

Before hosting Hanoi Police FC in the semifinal,Nam Dinhalso has a match against Hai Phong in the final V-League round. With the opponent having no more motivation, this is a chance for Xuan Son to further improve his scoring record and build favorable psychological momentum for the most important match of the season.

In terms of squad comparison, Nam Dinh holds more advantages in depth, morale, and home ground. However, Hanoi Police FC also has reasons to believe in an upset.

Xuan Son and Tien Linh now share many common traits and both are eager to prove their worth to their clubs and the national team. The winner at Thien Truong will carry significant advantages as Coach Kim Sang Sik plans to defend the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.