The Vietnamese team entered the March series of matches with a different mindset when they had already qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. The 6-point gap with Malaysia after the AFC's disciplinary decision helped coach Kim Sang-sik's team no longer be under pressure about the result.
However, this does not mean that the 2 matches against Bangladesh (friendly) and Malaysia are only a formality, instead it is an opportunity to test the force and improve the operation.
The friendly match with Bangladesh is considered a stepping stone for the coaching staff to comprehensively assess the squad and rotate forces. Players who have just returned such as Van Hau, Xuan Son or Dinh Trong may be given the opportunity to play to test their fitness, form and integration ability.
This is a group of experienced personnel but interrupted for a long time, so it takes time to regain the feeling of playing with the Vietnamese team.
In midfield and attack, the familiar framework is still maintained. However, the performance of some key players such as Hoang Duc or Tuan Hai has not been really stable in the past time. The match against Bangladesh is therefore an opportunity to test alternative options or adjust the role of each individual in the system.
Notably, the appearance of new factors such as Do Hoang Hen brings solutions in attacking organization. Meanwhile, young players such as Khuat Van Khang or Nguyen Nhat Minh continue to be given opportunities to accumulate experience.
The combination of a group of experienced players and the next generation is part of a long-term plan, aimed at building a deep squad.
Not stopping there, coach Kim Sang-sik and the coaching staff also have the opportunity to test tactical operation. Adjusting the pace of ball deployment, strengthening coordination in the baseline area or testing different formations can all be implemented in this match.
If the match against Bangladesh can be experimental, then the confrontation with Malaysia has a different meaning in terms of expertise. Although the group stage situation has been decided after the AFC's penalty, this is still a match for the two teams to affirm their position in Southeast Asia.
Expert Phan Anh Tu said: "Malaysia, after being defeated by Vietnam, will play the second leg with a different mindset. I think the issue of this match is the honor and position of Southeast Asian football.
Conversely, the Vietnamese team, after winning a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup finals, must also show their face".
In fact, Malaysia entered the match with the pressure to prove their ability after being deducted points. This could make them play more fiercely, while creating bigger challenges for the Vietnamese team.
For the home team, this is not only a match about results, but also an opportunity to affirm their stability and bravery.
Expert Phan Anh Tu added: "We all know that Vietnamese audiences and fans are very much looking forward to this match. I think the Vietnamese team will enter the match with a very serious attitude, wanting to show their level to be worthy of being one of the strongest forces in Southeast Asia today.
From a tactical perspective, coach Kim Sang-sik is likely to still maintain the familiar approach of controlling the game in the first half and creating breakthroughs in the second half.
However, the noteworthy point lies in the fact that he can continue experimenting within the framework of risk control. This is a balance between objective results and force assessment requirements.
Expert Phan Anh Tu emphasized: "Not only this tournament, Vietnamese football must also approach major tournaments in Asia and the world. Currently, the Vietnamese team has a fairly abundant force, reaching high form. Therefore, in the match against Bangladesh (friendly) and Malaysia, coach Kim Sang-sik will test the squad, find new factors, find new combinations - that is also his philosophy.
The Vietnamese national team force at this time has the appearance of old players who have just returned to the national team such as Van Hau, Xuan Son, Dinh Trong... Surely, Mr. Kim Sang-sik will have many tactical pieces to be tested".
