Striker Viet Cuong: From the sadness of relegation to hope in the Vietnam national team

Despite lacking the high profile of several fellow forwards and coming off a painful campaign that saw Becamex TP.HCM drop a division, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong has consistently been handed opportunities by head coach Kim Sang Sik to represent Vietnam.

The goal scored in the friendly against a Korean third-division club does not secure a starting berth, but it serves as proof that the 2000-born striker is moving in the right direction in his quest to earn the coaching staff's confidence.

The 6-0 victory against Siheung FC was merely a practice match, yet for Viet Cuong, it carried greater significance than the result. The 26-year-old's opening goal not only gave the national team a favorable start but also marked his first-ever strike in the national team jersey.

Even though it occurred only on the training pitch, that moment held immense psychological value, as it boosted the confidence of a player who is still working hard to carve out a spot among Vietnam's talented attacking lineup.

What is noteworthy is Viet Cuong's attitude towards that accomplishment. He does not view the goal as a guarantee of a fixed spot in the lineup, but rather as motivation to keep pushing himself.

In his post-match comments, the 2000-born striker stressed that two additional friendlies lie ahead against tougher sides—Yongin FC and Gangwon FC. Those matches will be the true tests for each player to demonstrate their capabilities to head coach Kim Sang Sik.

That humility accurately reflects Viet Cuong's current standing. He recognizes that he is still a 'newcomer' in the national team setup and intends to compete based on his own merits rather than any external advantages.

When questioned about the competition among forwards, Viet Cuong did not shy away; instead, he candidly stated that it serves as motivation for him to improve daily. This is precisely the mindset that any coach would want to see in their players.

Reflecting on the recent journey, Viet Cuong's inclusion in the Vietnam national team is truly a remarkable story. While Becamex TP.HCM suffered relegation after a disappointing 2025/26 season, he was the sole player from the club to earn a call-up to the national side. This indicates that coach Kim Sang Sik assesses players based on their form and tactical suitability, rather than solely on their club's achievements.

In reality, Viet Cuong's numbers are entirely persuasive. With 7 goals and 1 assist in 21 V-League appearances this season, he has been a rare shining light in a team that has faced numerous difficulties.

If we look solely at domestic players, the goal-scoring efficiency of the Becamex TP.HCM striker ranks among the best in the league. This demonstrates that his finishing ability is on par with many who currently play for stronger teams.

However, opportunities always come with challenges. The Vietnam national team's forward line currently boasts numerous high-quality options, featuring experienced players who have already made a name for themselves. As a result, every minute of playing time in practice matches is akin to a rigorous test.

Viet Cuong needs to demonstrate more than just a single goal. He must showcase his pressing ability, off-the-ball movement, teamwork, and fulfillment of the tactical requirements set by coach Kim Sang Sik.

An interesting detail: when asked which teammate he would most like to pair with in attack, Viet Cuong selected Nguyen Xuan Son. This not only reflects his admiration for a highly talented colleague but also demonstrates that the striker knows how to maximize his own strengths when playing alongside a center-forward capable of holding up the ball and creating space.

In elite football, opportunities are rare. The crucial thing is that when the door opens, a player must have the bravery to walk through it. And Viet Cuong now has the chance to prove that he deserves to be a part of the future of the Vietnam national team.