How did Vietnam and Malaysia change?

Malaysia has a squad that is superior in terms of physique and value. Photo: Malaysia NT .

In the list of 30 players announced by Malaysia, there are 18 naturalized players. New names such as Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces and Jon Iranzabal have all played in South America or Europe, bringing different quality to coach Cklamovski's team.

This addition brings the total value of the Malaysian squad on Transfermarkt to 14.63 million euros. This figure is nearly three times higher than that of the Vietnamese team (5.93 million euros).

Not only is the Malaysian team superior in terms of transfer value, they are also superior in terms of physique. The average height of the “Golden Tigers” is 1.79 m, 4 cm taller than the Vietnamese team (1.75 m). Players like Garces (1.85 m), Davies (1.84 m) or Figueiredo (1.83 m) are proof of this advantage, especially in aerial situations and one-on-one disputes.

In attack, the two most notable names that Malaysia possesses are Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado. Figueiredo scored 7 goals for Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish Super League in the 2024/25 season. Holgado scored 8 goals and 2 assists after 22 appearances for America de Cali in the Colombian Super League.

Malaysian naturalized players possess impressive scoring abilities. Photo: Malaysia NT.

Besides, Machuca, Garces and Iranzabal also showed their ability to contribute good goals. This is the strongest attack line ever in the history of Malaysian football, not only because of their good ball handling skills but also because of their ability to fight in the air, shoot from afar and coordinate well.

Body shape, fitness and scoring efficiency are factors that can decide the match, especially when facing opponents who play high pressing or have a well-organized set-piece. With a clear tactical system under coach Cklamovski, Malaysia will take full advantage of this advantage to impose their playing style against Vietnam.

Coach Cklamovski built Malaysia according to the modern "position play" model, with a 4-3-3 formation and requiring high mobility from all three lines. The highlight of the Australian coach's philosophy is to put the system above the individual.

“We don’t rely on individuals but put the system first. 11 people will fight together for 96–97 minutes to win,” he affirmed at a press conference before the match.

Facing a completely transformed Malaysia, the Vietnamese defense will certainly face a lot of pressure. How to neutralize the trio Holgado – Figueiredo – Machuca will be a big question for Mr. Kim Sang-sik. Especially when Malaysia has the home advantage of Bukit Jalil and is in the highest mental state.

The Malaysian team of 2025 is no longer a vulnerable team. For the Vietnamese team, this is the toughest test since the ASEAN Cup 2024.

Source: https://znews.vn/dau-tuyen-viet-nam-malaysia-lot-xac-the-nao-post1559392.html