Coach Kim Sang Sik is troubled by the Vietnam national team's attacking line.

Aside from Xuân Son, the main forwards of Vietnam’s national team such as Tiến Linh and Tuấn Hải are struggling with form.

The goal-scoring issue is causing Kim Sang-sik more headaches than ever as the Asian Cup qualifiers approach. With the domestic forwards all stalling, putting faith solely in Nguyễn Xuân Son feels like a risky gamble. If this crucial link falters, the entire Vietnamese attack could become vulnerable.

After recovering from injury, the Nam Định FC striker is striving to make a comeback, but no one can guarantee he has reached his peak fitness yet. Ahead lies a congested match schedule that forces Xuân Son to play continuously. The risk of overexertion or even a recurrence of fitness issues is clearly something the coaching staff cannot ignore.

If this main option encounters problems, the remaining choices cause even more concern among fans. Strikers who have been pillars for years, like Nguyễn Tiến Linh and Phạm Tuấn Hải, have yet to regain their spark, scoring only 3 goals each in the V-League. Their touch lacks sharpness, and decisive plays no longer carry the usual coldness, visibly reducing their scoring efficiency.

Looking at the broader V.League 1 scene, the situation becomes even more alarming. The race for top scorer is almost dominated by foreign players, while domestic forwards remain inconspicuous. The rare local player breaking into the top ranks is Nguyễn Hoàng Đức (5 goals), but he is an attacking midfielder, not a typical number 9.

The preparation time for the upcoming match against Malaysia is running out. With each round that passes without the forwards “warming up,” the pressure on the coaching staff increases. Vietnam needs not only goals but also confidence from their frontline.

Clearly, the solution cannot depend on a single player. Coach Kim must consider more diverse options, from adjusting the system to giving chances to new talents. Otherwise, the quest for an Asian Cup spot will begin with uncertainty instead of the proactive mindset expected from a top team.