{
  "id": 1431343,
  "title": "Xuan Son strikes as Vietnam overcome heavy Cheras pitch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/xuan-son-strikes-as-vietnam-overcome-heavy-cheras-pitch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T05:53:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1512946/xuan-son-strikes-vietnam-overcome-heavy-cheras-pitch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vietnam's Nguyen Xuan Son struck a crucial header in the dying moments of the first leg of the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-final against Malaysia, overcoming the heavy conditions on the KLFA Stadium pitch. Head coach Kim Sang Sik, visibly frustrated, admitted his tactics failed to work in the opening half, while Son's powerful dive marked him as the tournament's top scorer with six goals. Despite a 2-0 lead, Vietnam will face Malaysia in the second leg in Hanoi, with much to improve before the crucial match.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam match-winner Nguyen Xuan Son revealed that the \"heavy\" condition of the KLFA Stadium pitch disrupted the Golden Star Warriors' rhythm despite their 2-0 Asean Hyundai Cup semi-final first-leg win over Malaysia.",
  "key_points": [
    "Nguyen Xuan Son scores header in dying moments",
    "Head coach Kim Sang Sik frustrated with tactics",
    "Vietnam to face Malaysia in second leg in Hanoi"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}