Malaysian expert expects star in Japan to shine against Vietnam team, acknowledges Xuan Son has advantage

Malaysian football experts have spoken about the upcoming match between Vietnam team and "Malaysian Tigers" on March 31.

Vietnam team will face Malaysia team on March 31 at Thien Truong Stadium in the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifying round. Malaysia team will not have the 7 fraudulent naturalized players as in the first leg. However, former Malaysia team defender, Asmawi Bakiri, believes the players called up this time possess the qualities to compete against Vietnam team.

"For me, the striker position must be someone capable of scoring and creating goals. That is crucial to balance the pressure against Vietnam team," Asmawi Bakiri stated.

"The midfield and defense lines of Malaysia team are quite strong. Among the 4 goals in the win against Vietnam (last June but later overturned by AFC), two players involved are in the current squad, despite missing the 7 naturalized players," Asmawi Bakiri added.

The former Malaysia player emphasized: "I expect tactical aspects and set-piece situations, or methods to slow down Vietnam team's attacking momentum are necessary to implement."

"With available players like Faisal Halim, Ramadhan, Safawi Rasid, Paulo Josue, and Luqman Hakim, I think the match will be tough but hopeful. The midfield doesn't need major changes. I don't think the issue is about who will play; we just need proper arrangements," Asmawi Bakiri analyzed.

Asmawi Bakiri declared Malaysia team needs to win with the current squad: "I expect something from coach Peter (Cklamovski) this time. If previously we had quality players, now with the existing faces before those 7 players arrived, we can still create challenges. Regardless, we must secure victory."

Meanwhile, former Malaysia team goalkeeper, Azmin Azram Abdul Aziz believes Vietnam team striker Xuan Son benefits from playing at Thien Truong, which is the home ground of Nam Dinh Steel Blue.

"For Xuan Son, he essentially holds an advantage because this is his home field, where he regularly plays. He will feel very comfortable," Abdul Aziz said.

Nevertheless, Abdul Aziz expects Dion Cools, Malaysia team defender playing in Japan for Cerezo Osaka club.

"However, I don't think this is an overly daunting task. Our players like Dion Cools are seasoned and have played in Japan's league; he can handle the pressure and atmosphere," Abdul Aziz affirmed.

"Dion Cools is accustomed to a higher level than what he will face in the upcoming match," Abdul Aziz continued.