Where is Cong Phuong on the Vietnamese football map?
Today (January 21), striker Cong Phuong turns 30. Looking at the age of one of the brightest stars of Vietnam’s U.19 generation who once delighted fans, perhaps many people are startled. realize how quickly time passes.
The moment Cong Phuong, Van Toan, Van Thanh, Xuan Truong, Tuan Anh… and the players of the 1st and 2nd courses of HAGL JMG Academy presented themselves to the audience, bringing beautiful, technical and outstanding football to the audience. clarity was a thing 12 years ago.
The young stars who once brought the audience back to the field, pouring cool rain on the field of belief dried up by the “storms” of Vietnamese football back then, are now 30 years old.
Cong Phuong (blue shirt) in the colors of Binh Phuoc Club
PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB
Along with the HAGL JMG group that Duc took care of and placed his trust in, Cong Phuong emerged during the dark period of Vietnamese football. The national team failed (eliminated in the group stage of AFF Cup 2012 and SEA Games 2013), the V-League was mired in field violence and match-fixing, and there were “cheating” teams that kept coming and going. The talented, skillful feet and dedicated playing style of the group of players playing for U.19 Vietnam that year became salvation, bringing fans back to stands that were previously deserted and cold because hit rock bottom of disappointment.
At the end of 2013, Cong Phuong and Xuan Truong performed tossing a ball in the middle of a sea of people at Hanoi University of Science and Technology Stadium, amidst the cheers of tens of thousands of students. 9 months later, he scored a solo masterpiece against Australia U.19, in the Southeast Asia U.19 tournament, perhaps the most crowded ever (My Dinh stadium almost “broke”).
Just like that, Cong Phuong’s career is closely tied to aura and expectations. He emerged at a time when social networks were exploding and became a new symbol of Vietnamese youth football. The career of the striker born in 1995 has been both happy and sad. There are still times when he flashes on the field, but those moments become less and less, sinking in between failed trips abroad.
Cong Phuong became the first Vietnamese player to ever go abroad to 3 countries (Japan, Korea, Belgium), but it is a milestone that is difficult to be proud of. Because in all four teams he tried, Cong Phuong didn’t make a mark, only staying for more than one season at most, then returning home.
Cong Phuong tried again
PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB
Cong Phuong still plays effectively. 48 goals in 123 matches in the V-League and first place make him the top “scoring lucky” domestic striker. The 2021 season saw Cong Phuong at the highest level, with 6 goals in 12 matches, making a great contribution to helping HAGL top the table after 12 rounds. Unfortunately, the Pandemic caused the season to be canceled. HAGL’s dream of winning the championship was ruined, and that failure seemed like fate clinging to the career of a talented and energetic star, but lacking luck, and not having enough time to rise up.
Come back again
Cong Phuong has gone through all levels of joy, anger, love and hate in his career, with invaluable experiences such as training at Arsenal, competing abroad, experiencing ultimate glory and then going through the end of days. incredulous. Many people say that once money is spent, it’s gone, only experiences stay forever. That is what shapes a person, making spiritual life more brilliant.
From that perspective, Cong Phuong is indeed very “rich”. He has a happy home and experiences that few players can touch. And many years from now after retiring, the image of the Nghe striker in the eyes of fans will be a beautiful memory.
It’s a film about a boy who played barefoot soccer every year, overcoming adversity to rise, the person who scored goals against Iraq, Jordan, or the youth teams of Japan and Australia, or also the person who rekindled the fire of hope. believe, win the love of people and families through sweat, tears and tireless efforts (few can do that).
Cong Phuong found her smile again
PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB
If there is any regret, it’s probably just because there were people who expected Cong Phuong to do more and reach a higher level. However, in the context of Vietnamese football still “dimmed” with so many problems, requiring a player to step up to be successful is not an easy task.
Wind and waves have forged Cong Phuong’s bravery and calmness of mind. At the end of his career, the 30-year-old striker is enjoying his career more, spending time with his family and enjoying a quiet life. Cong Phuong still desires to return to the national team again, and age 30 is never too late to start again.
As long as he keeps trying, coach Kim Sang-sik will always wait. You can still bring out the spicy taste if…
