What is the 'key' to Vietnam's victory against Malaysia?

Coach Kim Sang Sik currently possesses a group of left-footed players with stable form, and this promises to create a tactical advantage, opening up a new look for the Vietnamese national team.

In modern football, left-footed players are often highly valued, due to their scarcity and the interesting differences they bring. Forthe Vietnamese national teamat this moment, Coach Kim Sang Sik holds a special "arsenal" of such players.

The lineup of high-quality left-footed players that the Korean coach has spans from defense to attack. This could become an important tactical foundation helping the national team create a new look on the upcoming journey.

A notable point is that Coach Kim Sang Sik actively builds a style of play focused on control and strong wing attacks. The presence of suitable players helps him make the team operate more effectively.

In defense, names likeNhat Minhand Van Hau bring a rare balance. Nhat Minh is a young center-back model, good at ball handling in the lower line. Meanwhile, the senior Van Hau is even more classy, not only providing solid defense but also supporting attack extremely effectively.

When needed, Van Hau can shift to the left flank, creating additional flexible options for the tactical formation. However, the wing-back position recently has been entrusted to Cao Pendant Quang Vinh. The Hanoi Police player possesses abundant physical foundation and stable offensive-defensive ability.

Furthermore,Coach Kim Sang Sikalso has quality options like Van Khang and Van Vi in hand. This duo is versatile, capable of playing in many positions on the left flank. Notably, Van Khang is emerging as one of the brightest faces of Vietnam's U23 generation, with stable form and high ability to create breakthroughs.

Van Vi has been subdued at Nam Dinh recently but has a knack for scoring whenever summoned by Coach Kim Sang Sik. Considering the last 6 matches of the Vietnamese national team in 2025, the "left-footed players" contributed 4 out of the total 7 goals. Van Vi scored 3 goals, and the remaining goal was by Quang Hai.

In the midfield, the "left-footed players" even promise to determine the tempo and soul of the play style for the Vietnamese team. The trio Hoang Hen, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai brings a rarely seen creative combination.

Hoang Duc has ball retention ability, experience, and composure. Quang Hai is agile, sharp with assists thanks to keen observation. The new naturalized recruit Hoang Hen stands out more in scoring skills and sharp tactical vision.

The interesting point is that all three are left-footed, making it very difficult for the opponent's defense to predict, especially in quick handling situations in the central area. The passes from left-footed players inward help the forwards receive the ball more conveniently and handle it better.

More importantly, having many players favoring the same foot does not make the team monotonous, but instead opens up possibilities for flexible positional interchange. Coach Kim Sang Sik can rotate personnel depending on the opponent, the timing of the match, or even change formations without losing cohesion.

Immediately, the two matches against Bangladesh and Malaysia will be opportunities to test the effectiveness of this system. With the current lineup of high-quality left-footed players, Coach Kim Sang Sik clearly has enough strength to create a difference for the Vietnamese national team on the journey ahead.