Nguyen Hai Long wants Vietnam team to be cautious against Laos

Nguyen Hai Long does not want the Vietnamese team to play subjectively against Laos in the rematch on November 19 in the second leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Hai Long is a midfielder who regularly plays for the Vietnam national team under coach Kim Sang Sik - Photo: TTO

On the afternoon of November 17 in Laos, the Vietnamese team had its second training session in preparation for the match against Laos in the second leg of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup. Nguyen Hai Long was assigned to answer media interviews.

Although the Vietnamese team has an impressive record against Laos, most recently a 5-0 win in the first leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team should not be complacent when they have to play away against a squad that may have many changes.

"After nearly a year, there will definitely be changes for the Laos team and so will the Vietnam team. We will have a meeting to analyze the opponent. The coaching staff has tactical plans to confront the home team," Nguyen Hai Long warned.

Playing on an unfamiliar field can pose many challenges for the Vietnamese team. However, Hai Long is not too concerned. He himself scored against Laos on their field at the ASEAN Cup 2024.

"The pitch here is not very good but I think that is not too much of a concern, and the players must try to adapt to focus on their skills," said the Vietnam midfielder.

Like his teammates, Hai Long was very happy when naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son returned to the Vietnam team after nearly a year of absence due to injury.

"Xuan Son is a very good player, and when playing with him, the surrounding players learn a lot. Xuan Son's return helps the Vietnamese team gain significant strength," Hai Long said.

The Vietnamese team has one more day to prepare for the match with Laos. Coach Kim Sang Sik's team needs to win this match before facing Malaysia in the final round taking place in March next year.

NGOC LE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguyen-hai-long-muon-tuyen-viet-nam-canh-giac-truoc-lao-20251117181126591.htm