Vietnam team returns home, ending the second round of matches in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup

On the afternoon of June 11, the Vietnamese team returned to Hanoi, concluding the second round of the 2027 Asian Cup Final Qualifiers after a trip to Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia. Secretary General Nguyen Van Phu represented the leadership of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to personally go to the airport to welcome and encourage the entire team.

VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu went to Noi Bai airport ( Hanoi ) to welcome coach Kim Sang Sik and the team back home. Photo: VFF

In the match against Malaysia, despite great efforts, the Vietnamese team still could not create a surprise against an opponent who was significantly strengthened by high-quality naturalized players playing in Europe and South America. On the contrary, Coach Kim Sang Sik encountered many difficulties in personnel when a series of key players such as Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Doan Ngoc Tan and Nguyen Xuan Son were absent due to injuries. During the match, Thanh Chung and Bui Tien Dung also had to leave the field due to pain, forcing the coaching staff to make unexpected personnel and tactical adjustments.

General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu inquired about the injury of defender Nguyen Thanh Chung. Photo: VFF

The 0-4 loss to Malaysia has significantly changed the situation in Group F. The Vietnamese team is currently in second place with 3 points and a goal difference of +1, while Malaysia has risen to the top with 6 points and a goal difference of +6. According to the regulations, the rankings in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup are determined based on points, head-to-head record, total goal difference, number of goals, fair-play points and a draw if necessary. This means that to win the right to top the group, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team need to win all remaining matches, and must beat Malaysia by at least five goals in the second leg at home in March 2026. In case of beating Malaysia by four goals, the Vietnamese team will have to compare additional indicators to determine the top spot.

Coach Kim Sang Sik encouraged his players as the team said goodbye to each other at the airport. Photo: VFF

Coach Kim Sang Sik frankly admitted: “We have to admit that Malaysia has become significantly stronger thanks to the naturalized players. However, football always has miracles. If we prepare well for the rematch in Hanoi, I think we still have a chance to make up for the four goals we lost today.”

After the second training session and matches, the players will return to their clubs to continue participating in the remaining rounds of the V.League and National Cup.

Win or lose, fans still love the Vietnamese team. Photo: VFF

The Vietnam team will gather again during the FIFA Days in October to prepare for the home match against Nepal on October 9, followed by the return match away on October 14. Before that, coach Kim Sang Sik will join the Vietnam U23 team to participate in the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship in Indonesia in July and the 2026 Asian U23 Qualifiers at home in Viet Tri in September.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-ve-nuoc-ket-tuc-luot-tran-thu-hai-tai-vong-loai-cuoi-asian-cup-2027-705248.html