1. Since the 2024 ASEAN Cup to the Asian Cup qualifiers or the friendly match with Cambodia, the defense has always been a big bright spot for the Vietnamese team, conceding only 7 goals in the last 10 matches.

The initial tactical changes were somewhat risky, but later became extremely reasonable when coach Kim Sang Sik decided to use goalkeeper Dinh Trieu instead of Nguyen Filip, and arranged Xuan Manh to play right center back instead of Duy Manh.

It can be said that besides the rise of the front line, especially the impressive performance of Xuan Son, the trio of central defenders Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung, and Tien Dung have made very important contributions in the journey to regain the ASEAN Cup championship from Thailand.

vn_24_3_6.jpg
Coach Kim Sang Sik still has a headache with the defense.

2. Looking at the number of goals conceded by the Vietnamese team in the last 10 matches, it seems that the defense has become a solid support for coach Kim Sang Sik.

However, the reality is not as simple as the statistics. It can even be said that the defense is the thing that has worried the Korean strategist the most since the ASEAN Cup until now.

Many of the 7 goals conceded by goalkeeper Dinh Trieu were due to individual mistakes or an incomplete defense system, rather than the opponent's excellent attack organization.

The goal conceded against Cambodia is clear proof, even when Mr. Kim Sang Sik used the strongest squad he had at his disposal.

3. Ignoring any errors or operational problems, Coach Kim Sang Sik is still very worried about the defense before the training session to prepare for the important match against Malaysia.

Vietnam Thailand 13.JPG
And if they don't improve, it will be difficult for the Vietnamese team to have joy against Malaysia in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

The Korean strategist has reason to have a headache as his key central defenders are having problems with their form, especially in the case of Xuan Manh - who has just returned from injury.

It should be emphasized that the Nghe An player is an important choice in the right-sided central defender role at the ASEAN Cup. Therefore, when his performance is not stable, experts have every reason to worry about the Vietnam team.

Mr. Kim Sang Sik of course still has backup plans such as Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, Bui Tien Dung, Thanh Binh or Viet Anh.

However, in the context of V-League entering a tense and fierce stage, the performance and injuries of key players will be important problems that the Korean captain needs to solve, if he wants the match against Malaysia of the Vietnamese team to take place safely and effectively.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tuyen-viet-nam-hlv-kim-sang-sik-can-lam-gi-de-thang-malaysia-2398792.html