Son made two appearances on his tournament debut as Vietnam reached the semi-finals in 2007, but it was a year later that he really shone.
According to affsuzukicup.com, installed as coach Henrique Calisto’s first-choice gooalkeeper, Son produced a number of excellent displays – twice shutting out Singapore in the 1-0 aggregate win in the semi-finals – as a place in the final was confirmed.
A string of superb saves in the first leg of the final kept hosts Thailand largely at bay in a 2-1 win in Bangkok, before a 1-1 draw in Hanoi saw Vietnam crowned champions for the first time and Son named MVP.
Besides Son, the AFF recognised four other goalies for their outstanding performances in the AFF Suzuki Cup, namely Kawin Thamsatchanan of Thailand (AFF Suzuki Cup Champion – 2014, 2016), Kurnia Meiga of Indonesia (AFF Suzuki Cup Runner-up – 2010, 2016), Khairul Fahmi of Malaysia (AFF Suzuki Cup Champion – 2010) and Lionel Lewis of Singapore (AFF Suzuki Cup Champion – 2004, 2007).
