Asian Cup 2027: Opportunity to test the attack

Competing with host Laos in the 5th match of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at 7:00 p.m. on November 19 is an opportunity for the Vietnamese team to improve their attack, helping their strikers relieve the pressure of scoring.

Waiting for Xuan Son to score

In the first leg match between the two teams at Go Dau Stadium (formerly Binh Duong ) on March 25, the Vietnamese team easily defeated the Lao team 5-0. At that time, the Vietnamese team had just won the ASEAN Cup 2024 and was full of confidence to show its position as the "big brother" of Southeast Asia against a team that was considered weaker.

Although the Vietnamese team's attack lacked naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, Van Vi's double and the brilliant performances of Ngoc Quang, Hai Long and Quang Hai helped coach Kim Sang-sik's team demonstrate the strength of the ASEAN Cup champions.

Cơ hội kiểm chứng hàng công - Ảnh 1. — Xuan Son (left cover) has returned from injury and is expected to help improve the attack for the Vietnamese team (Photo: VFF)

However, in the following 3 matches, Vietnam won 2, lost 1, scored 4 goals and conceded 5. Notably, in the rematch against Nepal at Thong Nhat Stadium (HCMC) on October 14, Vietnam only won 1-0 thanks to an own goal from the opponent.

Xuan Son has recovered from his injury and returned to the Vietnam team on this trip to Laos. After a long time without playing, the striker born in 1997 of Brazilian origin is eager to get back on the field to regain his ball feeling and peak form.

During his return to the Vietnam team, Xuan Son has been "absorbed" in the training program in recent days, and has been highly appreciated by his teammates and coaching staff for his physical strength. Facing the Laos team, a weak opponent, is also an opportunity for Xuan Son to regain his "goal-scoring" instinct.

Testing the "rookie"

At the FIFA Days gathering in November 2025, the Vietnamese team had two "new recruits": center-back Khong Minh Gia Bao and midfielder Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong. This duo showed quick integration and knew how to prove their instincts in their first time on the national team under coach Kim Sang-sik.

These two "new recruits" are indispensable pillars of their home team but are predicted to have difficulty competing for a place in the starting lineup of the Vietnamese team in the rematch against the Lao team.

Viet Cuong is a versatile, technically gifted player who can play in many positions in attack, his forte is left winger. Viet Cuong possesses a sharp vision, diverse and dangerous finishing, and has scored 2 goals and 1 assist after 7 appearances for Becamex TP HCM in V-League this season.

Meanwhile, Gia Bao is a central defender who is not afraid of collisions to stop opponents. Despite his lack of height, the player of the Ho Chi Minh City Police Club compensates with his tenacious fighting spirit. Gia Bao's outstanding point is his ability to judge situations quickly and accurately, come up with reasonable countermeasures and is also very "tough" when competing for the ball with opponents.

In addition to his lack of international competition experience compared to his colleagues, Gia Bao is also somewhat limited in his "air combat" ability.

Therefore, if he is named in the 3-4-3 or 3-4-1-2 formation of the Vietnamese team, Gia Bao will most likely be placed in the role of a left-wing center-back.

In the final match of the CFA Team China - Panda Cup 2025 international friendly tournament held in China on the afternoon of November 18, the U22 Vietnam team suffered a 0-1 defeat to the U22 Korea team. At the end of the tournament, the U22 Vietnam team won 1 and lost 2 out of 3 matches.