The Vietnam team will gather again after round 16 of V.League 2024-2025 to prepare for the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Laos. In the next few days, coach Kim Sang-sik will soon announce the list of players called up for this important campaign.
The main framework at the ASEAN Cup 2024 is likely to remain the same. Except for some injured players such as Xuan Son, Van Toan, Tan Tai, the remaining factors are ensuring stable performance such as Tien Linh, Ngoc Tan, Quang Hai, Van Thanh, Thanh Chung, Tien Dung, Duy Manh, Tien Anh, Van Vi, Hai Long...
However, the Korean strategist will make adjustments in some positions to create harmony for all 3 lines. Whoever can demonstrate their ability will be "probable" to join the national team.
In addition to the old factors, coach Kim Sang-sik will call up some new players. They could be faces that have never been "eaten" or the same old faces that were absent in the previous period.
Talking to Lao Dong, commentator Quang Tung said: "Maybe the names that are in the basic squad participating in the ASEAN Cup are still the squad that Mr. Kim Sang-sik will call up to focus in the near future.
In addition, some faces that have performed well in recent times can be considered candidates in the group of recruited recruits such as Nham Manh Dung (The Cong Viettel) in the attack, Pham Van Phong (The Cong Viettel) in the goalkeeper position or the return of Que Ngoc Hai in the defense...
These are new names compared to the previous training session, but in fact they have been in the national team in different stages. When these players maintain stable performance, they are likely to be chosen by Mr. Kim Sang-sik".
According to Lao Dong's research, in addition to factors that are leaving an impression in the V.League such as Manh Dung, Ngoc Hai, Minh Khoa... coach Kim Sang-sik will give more opportunities to overseas Vietnamese players.
Currently, very few names meet the professional requirements for Mr. Kim to choose, but creating conditions for them to practice in the national team is necessary, such as Jason Quang Vinh Pendant or Patrik Le Giang - who are about to have Vietnamese nationality.
In addition to overseas Vietnamese players, the Korean coach will add a series of young players to the national team, aiming to build a force for U22 Vietnam to participate in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.
The current Vietnam team has goalkeepers Trung Kien, Vi Hao and Van Khang who have just participated in the 2024 Southeast Asian Championship. It would not be surprising if Mr. Kim recalled a series of young players such as Thai Son, Dinh Bac, Quoc Viet or even new names such as Doan Ngoc Ha, Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Ngoc My.
According to the plan, the Vietnam team will gather in Binh Duong after round 16 of V.League (March 9). The whole team will have about 10 days of training before the friendly match with Cambodia on March 19, before entering the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Laos on March 25.
