The performance that did not meet the requirements against Singapore at My Dinh made Nguyen Dinh Bac's position in the Vietnamese team's lineup against Indonesia questionable.
The striker born in 2004 was given a starting spot by coach Kim Sang-sik in the match against Singapore thanks to his high form in recent times and a hat-trick in the match against Timor Leste.
Meanwhile, Tai Loc has just returned after a calf injury and is not in the best physical condition. Therefore, coach Kim prioritizing Dinh Bac in the left flank is a reasonable choice.
However, after 41 minutes against Singapore, he had to leave the field to make way for Nguyen Tai Loc. During his time on the field, the striker of Hanoi Police did not take advantage of his opportunities.
In the 12th minute, Dinh Bac handled the ball close to the penalty area and then finished technically but the ball went wide of the post. In the 21st minute, he continued to have an opportunity in the penalty area but the volley did not hit the target. In this situation, Dinh Bac could choose a simpler option or coordinate with his teammates in a favorable position.
Not long after that, he continued to handle inaccurately and had difficulty connecting with Xuan Son and Hoang Hen. Mr. Kim Sang-sik decided to replace Dinh Bac in the 41st minute, bringing Tai Loc onto the field.
After the match, the Korean strategist said: "Dinh Bac has not yet done his job well. Tai Loc came on to perform well, had a chance to finish but has not taken advantage of it. We still have many matches with Indonesia and Cambodia. I will try to do well and use these 2 players well".
He also emphasized: "Dinh Bac needs to sacrifice for the common goal of the team. I will encourage Dinh Bac for the match against Indonesia".
These statements show that Dinh Bac has not been removed from coach Kim Sang-sik's plan. However, when Tai Loc regained his best physical condition, he has an advantage over his young teammate.
With the importance of the match against Indonesia, the possibility of Tai Loc returning to the starting lineup is quite clear, while Dinh Bac is likely to start from the bench.
After 3 matches, Singapore is leading Group A with 7 points, Indonesia has 6 points, and Vietnam has only won 4 points. Therefore, today's confrontation with Indonesia (August 3) is decisive for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team.
If they win, Vietnam will have 7 points, surpass Indonesia and regain the right to self-determination. At that time, Quang Hai and his teammates only need to defeat Cambodia in the final round to win a ticket to the next round.
If they draw, Vietnam must beat Cambodia but still have to wait for the result of the Indonesia - Singapore match.
Conversely, if defeated, Indonesia will have 9 points and win a ticket to the semi-finals, while Singapore only needs 1 more point in the final round. At that time, Vietnam's chances of defending the championship will become very slim.
