Vietnam Team: Factors that can decide the battle with Malaysia

TPO - The attack lacks players who can turn the game around, while the opponent becomes unpredictable, posing a big challenge for the Vietnamese team and coach Kim Sang-sik. The Korean coach may have to choose a cautious approach in the match against Malaysia in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup on June 10.

Nguyen Xuan Son and Van Toan are injured and cannot play, Cong Phuong left the Vietnam team at the last minute. Nguyen Tien Linh has not regained his best form, Vi Hao needs more time to improve. The Vietnam team will find it difficult to put pressure on Malaysia's physical defense.

This is the first difficulty for coach Kim Sang-sik when building tactics for the match against Malaysia. Another problem is the midfield, where Quang Hai has long since ceased to shine as brightly as before. ASEAN Cup 2024, the two faces that left their mark in the midfield area of ​​the Vietnamese team are Doan Ngoc Tan and Hoang Duc.

Against an opponent with a strong, physical style of play like Malaysia, coach Kim Sang-sik needs a midfield that is mobile enough, has a lot of fighting spirit and also knows how to control the ball. When Quang Hai plays below his potential, the burden will fall on Hoang Duc and the rest.

Van Vi shows his scoring ability in the attacking situations of the Vietnamese team.

The challenge Malaysia poses is also due to its abundant naturalized players, who possess superior physical strength and height in all three lines. Compared to the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Malaysia has changed so much that it is difficult to accurately assess this opponent. Playing at home at Bukit Jalil also brings a significant advantage to Malaysia.

Where does opportunity come from?

In such a context, coach Kim Sang-sik may need to approach the match cautiously. The Vietnamese team will have to be patient with their opponents to wait for the opportunity to make decisive moves that can “finish” their opponents.

The defense becomes an important support, Bui Tien Dung and his teammates will have to stand firm against the opponent's pressure. The Vietnamese team also needs to take advantage of opportunities from set pieces.

Hoang Duc can decide the match with his powerful and technical long-range shots.

Another direction Mr. Kim Sang-sik can look forward to is the players on the flank. Cao Pendant, Quang Vinh and Van Vi have shown their talent for scoring goals and their ability to participate effectively in attacks. Of the 7 goals in the two recent matches against Laos and Cambodia, Van Vi contributed 3 goals. Hai Long, Quang Hai and Chau Ngoc Quang all "opened fire".

Two other faces in the midfield who can make a difference are Hoang Duc and Nguyen Hai Long with good long-range finishing ability. Both are the type of players who often shine at key moments.

Little Swallow

Source: https://tienphong.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-nhung-nhan-to-co-the-dinh-doat-cuoc-chien-voi-malaysia-post1749448.tpo