Vietnam national team ready for rematch against Malaysia

Hanoi Police Club has eight players called up: goalkeeper Nguyen Filip, defenders Doan Van Hau, Tran Dinh Trong, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, midfielders Le Pham Thanh Long, Nguyen Quang Hai, and Le Van Do. Next, Ninh Binh Club with five faces: goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, defender Le Ngoc Bao, Truong Tien Anh, midfielder Nguyen Duc Chien, and Nguyen Hoang Duc.

The Viettel and Hai Phong clubs also announced the list of players called up to the Vietnam national team. Khuat Van Khang and Phan Tuan Tai (Viettel) provide coach Kim Sang-sik with additional options on the left flank. Meanwhile, both players from the Port city club are defensive personnel: goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu and left-sided center-back Nguyen Nhat Minh.

The Vietnam national team will assemble from March 23 in Hanoi to prepare for the friendly match against Bangladesh on March 26 at Hang Day Stadium. This is considered an important rehearsal before the Vietnam national team enters the rematch with the Malaysia national team in the final match of the third round of Asian Cup 2027 qualification at Thien Truong Stadium (Ninh Binh) on March 31.

After eight years, the Vietnam national team returns to Hang Day Stadium for an international friendly. The last time Vietnam played at Hang Day was in the final match of the AFF Cup 2018 group stage, when coach Park Hang-seo's students defeated Cambodia with a score of 3-0.

Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnam national team is undergoing a process of rejuvenation and restructuring, harmoniously combining experienced veterans and young talents full of aspiration. Recent training camps show a determination to build a disciplined, organized playing style aimed at long-term stability.

Meanwhile, professionally, Bangladesh is considered a suitable opponent for the Vietnam national team to test formations, refine tactics, and maintain international match rhythm. This South Asian team has shown positive professional improvements recently. In their last two matches, Bangladesh drew with Nepal 2-2 in a friendly and defeated India 1-0 in the final Asian Cup 2027 qualification round.

The "Bengal Tigers" frequently participate in continental competitions, possessing a physically demanding playing style and fierce competitive spirit. Facing an opponent with a different playing style is expected to provide valuable tests for the Vietnam national team players.

Among the players called up this time, the return of Dinh Trong and Van Hau is particularly noteworthy. These were irreplaceable defenders for the Vietnam national team during its peak period under coach Park Hang-seo. However, injuries have kept these players absent from the national team level for extended periods across different coaching eras.

The last time Van Hau played for the Vietnam national team was in September 2023 under coach Philippe Troussier, while Dinh Trong's last appearance was in September 2022.

Returning from injury, Van Hau and Dinh Trong are performing well, helping Hanoi Police win the first half of V-League 2025-2026 and keeping the team at the top of the table currently. For Dinh Trong, this defender has played 14 matches, contributing 2 assists. Van Hau has only played 4 matches but has scored 1 goal and made 1 assist.

Van Hau and Dinh Trong have extensive international experience, especially against opponents like Malaysia. The return of these two defenders promises exciting competition in the national team's defense line, amidst the presence of potential U23 talents and new naturalized players.

The inclusion of striker Do Hoang Hen is expected to shape the Xuân Son - Hoàng Hên duo in the upcoming match against Malaysia. With Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên, coach Kim Sang-sik can be assured, as the match against Malaysia will not feature Dinh Bac due to suspension or Tien Linh who is facing some performance issues.