Xuân Son nets a "wonder goal" against Malaysia following a flawless team move from Vietnam.

The Vietnamese national team secured an important opening goal against Malaysia in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final, thanks to Nguyễn Xuân Son's spectacular diving header off a pinpoint cross from Trương Tiến Anh.

The goal arrived during added time at the end of the first half, giving Kim Sang Sik's side a 1-0 lead at halftime.

During a half in which Malaysia posed numerous challenges, the link-up between Tiến Anh and Xuân Son stood out as the most striking moment. The home side had earlier applied pressure, forcing Vietnam's backline to work tirelessly. Hence, the goal right before the half-time whistle was doubly important for both the score and team spirit.

The play started with an accurate long pass from Lê Phạm Thành Long in his own half to Trương Tiến Anh on the right wing. Tiến Anh composed himself, then sent a cross into the danger zone in front of Malaysia's goal. The delivery was perfectly weighted, evading the home defenders and matching Xuân Son's movement.

The striker wearing number 12 quickly positioned himself, burst into the gap, and produced a diving header from an awkward angle. The ball flew with such precision that the Malaysian keeper had no answer, giving Vietnam the lead.

The referee subsequently reviewed VAR and confirmed the goal. As a result, Vietnam finished the first half leading 1-0.

This move also highlighted the chemistry between Tiến Anh and Xuân Son. The right-back's precise crossing enabled the Vietnamese forward to exploit his aerial prowess. Tiến Anh is renowned for his pinpoint deliveries, whereas Xuân Son boasts a strong frame, leap, and excellent judgment of the ball's flight.

Significantly, this wasn't the first time the pair had linked up for a goal against Malaysia. During Vietnam's 3-1 victory over Malaysia in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers last March, Tiến Anh delivered a cross that allowed Xuân Son to rise and score with a header.

This goal was even more meaningful as it arrived when Vietnam hadn't yet established total dominance. Prior to Xuân Son's opener, Malaysia had already caused problems for Vietnam's backline.