Vietnam's National Team Faces Malaysia: Many Positive Signs

Before the crucial match against Malaysia in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, Vietnam's national team is receiving continuous positive signals. From the possibility of the opponent being penalized by AFC to Coach Kim Sang Sik having an increasingly refined squad, all are opening up great hope for the team in the race to secure a spot in the Finals.

The match between Vietnam's national team and Malaysia at the end of March is eagerly awaited for many reasons. Before the ball rolls, Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team are receiving a series of optimistic signals that could change the dynamics of the competition.

First is the disciplinary story related to the team nicknamed "The Tigers." The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is under pressure from FIFA to soon impose a heavy penalty on Malaysia.

If Malaysia is penalized with losses in matches against Vietnam and Nepal, the standings of the group will completely reverse. In that case, even though currently trailing in points, Vietnam's national team could still rise to top the group and almost certainly secure a ticket to the Asian Cup 2027 Finals without needing to face a decisive match.

Of course, football cannot rely solely on non-professional factors. But even without the scenario of "winning without fighting," Vietnam's national team still has many reasons to be confident before the crucial match.

One of the biggest positive points is the return of experienced defenders who were once pillars of the national team. Names like Trần Đình Trọng, Đoàn Văn Hậu, or Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh are gradually regaining their form while playing for clubs in the V-League.

Players from CAHN, whose abilities have been proven in many major tournaments and who are very familiar with big matches, are returning. The comeback of CAHN's stars could help Coach Kim Sang Sik solve the defensive problem, a weakness that has noticeably weakened Vietnam's national team over the past year.

If the defense gradually stabilizes, the forward line also gains promising new options. The current focal point is naturalized striker Đỗ Hoàng Hên. The Hanoi FC player is showing impressive form in the V-League with 6 goals in 9 matches.

Not only an effective scorer, Hoàng Hên can also play flexibly in various attacking positions, from winger, supporting striker to center forward. Notably, Hoàng Hên once had a period of effective synergy with the national team's current top striker Xuân Son when both played for Nam Định. This duo contributed greatly to helping the southern club win the V-League 2023/24.

If Hoàng Hên is arranged to pair up with Xuân Son on the national team, they could fully recreate the highly effective combination they had at the club level. In the context where many domestic strikers like Nguyễn Tiến Linh or Phạm Tuấn Hải are facing form issues, the appearance of Hoàng Hên could bring a fresh wind to the attack.

Moreover, adding a player currently in high form will also create positive competitive pressure within the squad. When positions are contested fairly, the overall quality of the national team has the opportunity to improve. Players like Quang Hải and Hoàng Đức must strive to defend their positions.

In the goalkeeper position, Coach Kim Sang Sik even has more choices. The list of candidates includes Đặng Văn Lâm, Nguyễn Filip, and Lê Giang. All three are Vietnamese-origin goalkeepers with experience and stable professional skills.

Additionally, Đình Triệu from Hải Phòng is evaluated as still maintaining his form. Young goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên is also emerging as a potential option with stable performance in the V-League and having been with Coach Kim Sang Sik in the U22/U23 Vietnam team for over half a year.

Competition in the crucial last-line defensive position helps Coach Kim Sang Sik have more tactical options and ensures the national team maintains high quality in the goalkeeper area.

Overall, Vietnam's national team is entering an important transitional period. Some veteran pillars are beginning to show signs of declining form, while new players are gradually appearing and ready to compete for positions.

With positive signals emerging, from the group standings situation to squad quality, Vietnam's national team can reasonably hope for a significant turning point on its journey towards the continent's top tournament next year.