Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son was the center of attention with two goals and two assists in his debut as Vietnam cruised to a 5-0 victory over Myanmar in their last match of the 2024 ASEAN Championship group stage on Saturday evening in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam. 

The Vietnamese team secured the top spot in Group B and will take on Singapore in the semifinals.

Debutant Son, 27, showcased his dazzling display and kept up the pressure on the rival goalkeeper during the match.

Hosts Vietnam had complete control of the ball and dominated the game in their attacking style.

The Vietnamese players constantly created scoring opportunities during the first half of the match but they could not find the Myanmarese net.

In the 48th minute, Son made an assist for his fellow Vi Hao to open the scoring.

Seven minutes later, the naturalized striker, of Brazilian origin, netted his first goal to make it 2-0. 

Vietnam continued showing their power and determination, with Quang Hai, Tien Linh, and Son hitting home one each.

The 5-0 victory shot Vietnam into the semifinals with confidence to play Singapore in an away game on December 26 and at home three days later.

The Philippines have set up the other semifinal legs with Thailand, scheduled for December 27 and 30.

Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes, commonly known in Vietnam as Rafaelson, submitted an application for Vietnamese citizenship in August, expressing his desire to contribute to the Vietnam national team.

He was officially recognized as a Vietnamese citizen in September, with his Vietnamese name being Nguyen Xuan Son.

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