With Xuan Son gone, a new talent has emerged.

The 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers present a significant challenge for the Vietnamese national team. Following their resounding success at the 2024 AFF Cup, opponents are now quite familiar with Kim Sang-sik's playing style. Therefore, Kim Sang-sik needs to rebuild a stronger and more diverse team, both tactically and in terms of personnel. Changing the squad will help him create healthy competition within the team and test new tactical approaches.

Hai Long (right) scores a goal in the match against Laos at the AFF Cup 2024, at Viet Tri Stadium.

In their first match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the Vietnamese national team will host Laos on March 25th at Binh Duong Stadium. While not an overly formidable opponent, the Vietnamese team cannot afford to be complacent. In their first group stage match of the 2024 AFF Cup, Kim Sang-sik's team defeated Laos 4-1 with goals from Hai Long, Tien Linh, Van Toan, and Van Vi. In this rematch, the visiting team will undoubtedly try to neutralize Vietnam's strengths, aiming for a better result than their performance in the Southeast Asian Championship. Naturally, Kim Sang-sik will also aim to repeat that victory, building momentum for the Vietnamese team before their second match against Malaysia in June 2025.

Xuan Son will not be included in the Vietnamese national team's training camp in March.

The Vietnamese national team is expected to assemble in mid-March to prepare for this crucial match. There will be some changes to the squad during this training camp. Players with inconsistent form or who don't meet tactical requirements will not be included. Striker Nguyen Xuan Son will definitely not be called up, as he will be in the second cycle of his injury recovery. Coach Kim will have to choose new faces for the attack because, in addition to Xuan Son, Van Toan is also injured. It's possible that Toan won't be in his best form by March.

The Vietnamese national team will introduce changes to their playing style to avoid being predictable.

Coach Kim Sang-sik is renowned for his ability to build a clear and highly disciplined playing style. In the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, he will employ a more flexible strategy, combining solid defense with sharp attack. Personnel changes are not only aimed at improving the team's quality but also at allowing him to experiment with new tactical formations.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's ability to create breakthroughs is something to look forward to. After getting acquainted with the Vietnamese national team, he has a better understanding of the players and how they operate in international matches. This understanding will help him make appropriate changes in personnel and tactics, creating a strong team ready to face the challenges in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-hoi-quan-giua-thang-3-khong-co-xuan-son-xuat-hien-nhan-to-moi-185250126234446824.htm