Asian Cup qualifying group F situation: Vietnam team at huge disadvantage

The Vietnamese team disappointed when they lost 0-4 to Malaysia in the decisive match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Bukit Jalil Stadium on the evening of June 10. Coach Kim Sang Sik's team could not control the situation against Malaysia's quality naturalized players.

Cục diện bảng F vòng loại Asian Cup: Tuyển Việt Nam gặp bất lợi cực lớn - 1 — Vietnam's chance of participating in the 2027 Asian Cup is quite fragile after the 0-4 loss to Malaysia (Photo: Getty).

The Tigers fielded a squad of nine naturalized players and only two local players. The physical advantages, fitness and skill levels of Malaysia’s European and South American players made the difference.

The Vietnamese team played quite passively in this match. Especially, after two players Thanh Chung and Bui Tien Dung left the field due to injury, the Vietnamese team's defense played erratically and made many mistakes.

The 0-4 loss to Malaysia has narrowed the door for Vietnam to participate in the 2027 Asian Cup. With Laos and Nepal being too weak, coach Kim Sang Sik's team can only hope to turn things around in the return match against Malaysia in March next year at home.

According to the regulations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), in case two teams have the same number of points, the head-to-head difference is considered first. That means, if they want to win a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup, the "Golden Dragons" need to win by a difference of 4 goals or more in the rematch with Malaysia.

Cục diện bảng F vòng loại Asian Cup: Tuyển Việt Nam gặp bất lợi cực lớn - 2 — Vietnam must win by four goals or more against Malaysia in the second leg at home to secure a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup (Photo: Getty).

Currently, Malaysia is leading Group F with 6 points after two matches. They have scored 6 goals and have not conceded any. Vietnam is ranked second in the group with 3 points (goal difference +1), equal with Laos (3 points, goal difference -4).

In yesterday's match, Laos won 2-1 against Nepal. Nepal is at the bottom of the table with no points.

In the next round of matches taking place in October, the Vietnamese team will play two matches against Nepal. On October 9, we will welcome this opponent at home. On October 14, the "Golden Dragons" will visit Nepal.