The Vietnamese national team needs to change.
The Vietnamese national team is still chasing a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup, currently sitting second in their group with 9 points after 4 matches. Although they are almost certain to qualify for the finals, assuming the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) fails in its appeal regarding the alleged forgery of naturalized players' documents, it is difficult to expect the Vietnamese team to go far with their current squad and playing style.
The Vietnamese team needs to play with more passion in the match against Laos.
PHOTO: NHAT ANH
In both victories against Nepal (matches 3 and 4) in October, the weaknesses of the Vietnamese team were clearly exposed. The defense lacked solidity despite not being under much pressure, the midfield lacked creativity and the ability to maintain a coherent rhythm of play, and the attack was disjointed, missing many scoring opportunities. This performance may help the Vietnamese team qualify, but to replicate their quarter-final achievement in 2019, coach Kim Sang-sik's team still has a long way to go.
That's why the door to the national team has never been easier to access for players who are not even widely known. In the September training camp, Coach Kim agreed to include Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL), Tran Hoang Phuc (Ho Chi Minh City Police FC), and Pham Gia Hung ( Ninh Binh FC) in the squad. Currently, Gia Hung continues to be included, alongside Khong Minh Gia Bao (Ho Chi Minh City Police FC) and Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong (Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC), who are new additions to the team. Coach Kim Sang-sik needs a breath of fresh air to revitalize the team's playing style, instead of relying on players whose form has declined.
Of course, not every overhaul yields "sweet results." Two years ago, coach Philippe Troussier failed because the younger generation didn't meet the requirements to replace their senior counterparts. A similar risk could arise for Kim's team. Therefore, it's not surprising that, alongside about four or five new players, the South Korean coach still prioritizes the older generation. It's safer to play it safe to… win first.
However, against a weaker opponent like Laos, experimentation will (and must) occur. The Vietnamese team must try and dare to admit mistakes in order to find a path to transformation. Their playing style and level will not improve if they maintain the same old player lineup.
A NEW LOOK
In the return match against Nepal, Coach Kim fielded newcomer Nguyen Hieu Minh in the starting lineup. Immediately, the PVF-CAND player impressed with a dangerous header that forced an own goal. Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien also made timely interventions, handled high balls well, and kept a clean sheet in his debut match.
Furthermore, at the 2024 AFF Cup, coach Kim Sang-sik's faith in Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Doan Ngoc Tan, Bui Vi Hao, and others bore fruit. The Vietnamese national team won the Southeast Asian championship thanks to these "ordinary" players, who shone brightly when placed in the right system.
Therefore, regarding Gia Bao or Viet Cuong's chances of starting in the match against Laos, besides the players' abilities, the question needs to be asked: has Coach Kim developed a sufficiently good strategy for these newcomers to shine as soon as they are integrated into the team?
In defense, the Vietnamese team probably doesn't need to worry about the intense pressure from Laos. Opportunities for Gia Bảo will arise, especially in the second half, when Vietnam needs a fast, strong, and aggressive center-back to apply high-pressure tactics and crush the opponent's resistance. In attack, Việt Cường and Gia Hưng could come on in the last 20-25 minutes. The Becamex TP.HCM striker is good at holding off defenders, accelerating well, and possesses the skills of a modern forward. Especially with Xuân Son's return, ready to become a "lighthouse" to guide the attacking system, space will open up for new forwards to showcase their abilities.
Viet Cuong, Gia Hung, and Gia Bao are not only all born in 2000 (meaning they are at the peak of their careers), but they are also full of ambition. Blending the enthusiasm of newcomers with the experience of veterans to create the perfect cocktail requires the skill of coach Kim Sang-sik.
The Vietnamese national team needs to continue adapting and transforming, using each match to hone its tactics. This way, when the U23 team returns next March, Coach Kim will have a sufficiently solid system to compete in the AFF Cup and the Asian Cup.
Although nine days of training may not be enough to upgrade their playing style, with minor adjustments and the boosted morale from the competition brought about by new players, the Vietnamese team will transform and achieve a resounding victory against Laos.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-mau-lua-hon-nho-nhan-to-moi-185251114230123569.htm
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