Vietnam team wary of Malaysia's 'wings'

Without quality naturalized strikers, the Malaysian team is forced to change its approach in the match at Thiên Trường Stadium. The two flank corridors with high speed and explosiveness become the greatest hope for the visiting team ahead of the rematch tomorrow.

Malaysia losing its group of fraudulent naturalized players following FIFA and AFC sanctions not only weakened the team's strength but also forced them to reshape their playing style.

Previously, names like Joao Figueiredo (a striker valued at up to 1.2 million euros, with a scoring efficiency of 7 goals in 8 matches this season for Johor Darul Tazim club, 3 goals in 3 matches for the Malaysian national team) were the centerpiece of the attacking system.

In the first leg match, the naturalized players scored all 4 goals against goalkeeper Nguyễn Filip, exposing gaps in Vietnam's defensive system.

But now, when many of those "explosive threats" are gone,Malaysiahas almost lost its most effective direct attacking option.

This means the visiting team must change tactics, utilize what remains, and Malaysia's "wings" are the clearest answer.

On the right flank, Dion Cools emerges as an extremely dangerous link. The defender playing in J-League 1 for Cerezo Osaka not only has a solid physical foundation but also possesses excellent attacking support ability.

Cools scored against Vietnam in the first leg and is reaching career maturity at age 30. With 4 goals in his last 12 matches for the national team, the Belgian-born player is not merely a defender but an attacking spearhead from the back line.

On the opposite flank, Corbin Ong brings stability and experience. The 1991-born player is not overly explosive but is very effective in wing runs and crosses. The English-born left defender has scored 2 goals in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, a figure showing his attacking involvement is not limited. When needed, Malaysia also has English-born defender Daniel Ting to rotate, ensuring continuous intensity on the left flank.

At the left forward position is Stuart Wilkin. The 1998-born, English-born player currently playing for Johor Darul Tazim recently scored 2 goals in 5 matches for the club. Wilkin is highly rated by coach Peter Cklamovski in the squad.

In the attack line, Safawi Rasid is likely to be used as a "false 9" or the highest forward. Though not a typical center-forward model, his wide movement, speed, and finishing are still noteworthy. The Kuala Lumpur City striker is very familiar to Vietnamese players having faced them many times.

12 goals in 20 matches for the club is clear evidence of Rasid's current form. Besides that,Coach Peter Cklamovskialso has forwards like Faisal Halim, Paulo Josue, Aguero ready to create breakthroughs when given the chance.

For the Vietnam national team, countering the opponent's flank attacks is a problem that cannot be underestimated. Players operating on the left flank like Văn Hậu, Jason Quang Vinh, Văn Vĩ, or Ngọc Bảo must be especially vigilant.

It's not just a simple defensive task; they must also control space, minimize overlapping runs and crosses, the "weapons" that Malaysia will almost certainly exploit thoroughly.

Coach Kim Sang Sikunderstands this clearly. The loss at Bukit Jalil Stadium, even though later awarded a win on paper, remains a warning about the gaps on the two flanks.

Malaysia may have weakened in the central area, but the visiting team remains unpredictable. For the Vietnam national team, controlling those "wings" equates to holding victory in hand.