Vietnam team confident of winning three points to gain advantage over Malaysia

The match against Laos at 7 p.m. tonight (November 19) in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in Vientiane is of great significance to the Vietnamese team. This is an opportunity for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to consolidate their second place in Group F and is also an important test in the journey to rebuild their squad towards their long-term goals.

Striker Nguyen Xuan Son and his teammates practice in preparation for the match against the Laos team. (Photo: VFF)

According to coach Kim Sang-sik, this is the last match of the Vietnamese team in 2025, and so the whole team aims to win to close out a full year. The Korean coach is cautious, but also determined, saying that three points against Laos will create positive psychological momentum for the key match against Malaysia in March 2026. For Mr. Kim Sang-sik, victory at this time is not only about points, but also a spiritual medicine for the team that is in the process of rebuilding its identity.

One of the biggest highlights of the November training camp was the emergence of a new generation of players. Coach Kim Sang-sik called up eight players born in 2000 or later, accounting for more than a third of the squad. This is a clear signal of a strategy to renew the squad, in the context that many current pillars will turn 30 when the 2027 Asian Cup takes place. Early preparation for the next cycle of forces is considered mandatory if the team wants to maintain its competitiveness on the continental stage.

Names like Tran Bao Toan, Nguyen Hai Long or Phan Tuan Tai have shown potential, but still lack international experience. The match with the Laos team, which is rated significantly lower, will create conditions for Mr. Kim Sang-sik to test their ability to integrate into the competition context. The mix of youth and experience of veterans like Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Quang Hai or Bui Tien Dung helps the team have the necessary balance. This is an important foundation to move towards a stable and deep squad for upcoming tournaments.

The return of naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) after nearly a year of injury treatment has also attracted much attention. Mr. Kim Sang-sik thanked the player's family and the Nam Dinh Steel Club for their support during the striker's difficult period. He hopes that Xuan Son can score in this match, thereby marking an impressive return at the national team level. With his smart movement and comprehensive technique, Xuan Son's return promises to significantly increase the strength of the attack.

Another notable detail is the possibility of surprises in the goal. Young goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet, although only 23 years old, is showing outstanding form at The Cong Viettel with good reflexes and commendable stability. Compared to his two seniors Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Van Viet is less experienced, but this is also the right time to experiment. The match with Laos is relatively safe, so the opportunity for Van Viet to start is feasible.

Coach Kim Sang-sik guides the Vietnamese team during a training session in Laos. (Photo: VFF)

Regarding the Laos team, coach Ha Hyeok-jun expressed his respect for his opponents, but also affirmed that the host team will fight with all their abilities. The goal of the Land of a Million Elephants team is to limit mistakes, play disciplined and make the most of rare opportunities. Although admitting that Xuan Son is an excellent player, Mr. Ha Hyeok-jun said that Laos has a clear plan and will stick to the proposed tactics to try to create a surprise.

However, the gap in skill level between the two teams is still very large. Vietnam currently has nine points after four matches and is in control of its ticket to the finals. Overcoming Laos (ranked 3rd, with three points) is almost a must if coach Kim Sang-sik and his team want to enter the match against Malaysia (12 points) with the most favorable position.

In the context of rebuilding the team and shaping the playing style, the match in Vientiane is an important test for the ambition of Vietnamese football to reach the next level. Three points are the obvious target, but what fans are waiting for more than anything is a performance that shows the freshness, cohesion and desire of the rising generation. These will be the decisive factors for the Vietnamese team to enter 2026 with greater confidence in a journey full of challenges and hopes.

MINH GIANG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-tu-tin-gianh-ba-diem-tao-the-truoc-malaysia-post924208.html