The Vietnamese team is determined to win against Malaysia at home. Photo: HOANG HO
Positive points
The 3-0 victory against Bangladesh in the recent friendly match not only brought a favorable result in terms of performance but also provided the Vietnamese national team's coaching staff with important assessments of the team's strength. The Vietnamese team controlled the game well, created many scoring opportunities, and maintained a consistent intensity throughout the 90 minutes. However, what left fans unsatisfied was the strikers' inability to capitalize on those opportunities. The Vietnamese team created quite a few dangerous situations but failed to convert them into goals. If the players had finished better, the score would have been higher than just 3-0.
Nevertheless, coach Kim Sang-sik still praised the fighting spirit, focus, and the way the players implemented their game plan. He believes the team showed many positive signs, especially in ball control, attacking organization, and transitions. Rotating the squad not only ensures the players' physical fitness but also allows the coaching staff to assess the suitability of each position within the tactical system. Some players are being tested in new roles to create more personnel options for upcoming matches.
One of the players who stood out in the match was naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen. Commenting on his performance after the game, coach Kim Sang-sik said he had discussed with Hoang Hen before the match about using him in various positions in the attack. According to the South Korean strategist, experimenting with Hoang Hen's position is an important preparation for the match against Malaysia – a stronger opponent with a physically demanding playing style. Regarding striker Nguyen Xuan Son, he has recovered from a thigh muscle injury and is in top physical condition. Xuan Son will certainly be a key player to watch in the attack against Malaysia, thanks to his powerful runs and good finishing ability.
Meanwhile, the coaching staff is also closely monitoring Doan Van Hau's physical condition. The 1999-born defender has performed well when used in both the roles of center-back and wing-back recently. Van Hau's versatility provides the Vietnamese national team with more tactical options, especially in a three-center-back formation. However, the coaching staff is actively controlling Van Hau's playing time to ensure he is in the best physical condition and avoid the risk of a recurrence of his previous injury after a long period of treatment.
We need more than just a victory.
Although the match against Malaysia is now just a formality, for the Vietnamese national team players, it still holds immense significance. It's not just about honor and proving their capabilities, but also an opportunity for the "Golden Star Warriors" to demonstrate that their qualification for the finals is entirely deserved.
Following the AFC's disciplinary action against the Malaysian team for violating regulations regarding the use of players, resulting in a points deduction, the Vietnamese team secured their place in the 2027 Asian Cup finals. However, this has led many to believe that Vietnam was simply lucky. Therefore, the upcoming match against Malaysia will be an opportunity for Coach Kim Sang-sik's players to prove they deserve their qualification through their own abilities on the field. Equally important is that the Vietnamese team still has a debt to settle after their heavy 0-4 defeat in the first leg. That defeat was not just a loss in terms of the score, but also a major lesson in character and focus. Therefore, this rematch carries immense honor for the Vietnamese players.
In recent training sessions, the coaching staff has consistently emphasized fighting spirit and determination. Although the pressure to qualify for the next round is gone, the Vietnamese team's goal remains to win. A victory against Malaysia would help the team restore its image and build great confidence among fans.
Furthermore, the victory against Malaysia holds immense psychological significance ahead of important campaigns in 2026. First is the Southeast Asian Championship in July, where the Vietnamese team aims to defend their title. Following that is the new regional tournament, the FIFA ASEAN Cup, jointly organized by FIFA and regional federations, scheduled for the end of September. These are all crucial tournaments, and the Vietnamese team needs a morale boost to prepare optimally.
A victory against Malaysia would not only help the Vietnamese team conclude the qualifying round with a positive image but also create good psychological momentum for the players. Football always needs confidence, and nothing boosts team morale better than victories against strong opponents. Vietnamese football fans are also eagerly awaiting a convincing performance from their team. What they want to see is not just a victory, but also a cohesive playing style, fighting spirit, and a desire to contribute.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/thang-de-chung-minh-thuc-luc-215548.html
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