Malaysia determined to change history
The upcoming match between Malaysia and Vietnam in Group F, the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup not only has the meaning of survival in terms of points but is also an opportunity for the home team to change the past.
After more than a decade of not having won against Vietnam, the Malaysian team is showing great determination to turn history around.
Coach Peter Cklamovski sees this confrontation as a great opportunity for Malaysian football and is determined to help this team end a 10-year winless streak against the Vietnamese team.
With the home advantage of Bukit Jalil, along with a squad of high-quality naturalized players, Malaysia is predicted to cause many difficulties for the Vietnam team.
According to many sources, they can send up to 8 or 9 players playing abroad in this match. New names such as facundo Garces, Jefte Betancor, Jon Irazabal or Colombian striker Rodrigo Holcado are expected to bring a new breeze to the "Tigers".
All those preparations are aimed at the only goal of defeating the Vietnamese team to open the door to continue. However, this ambition is certainly not easy to realize, especially when the opponent is the 2024 Southeast Asian champion.
Vietnam maintains confidence in the face of challenges
The Vietnam team traveled to Malaysia in the context of significant losses in their forces. The long list of absences with many key players such as Viet Anh, Van Thanh, Tan Tai, Thanh Binh, Van Toan, Doan Ngoc Tan, ... makes fans worried. Even the striker is expected to leave the team early due to injury.
However, coach Kim Sang-sik still maintains a fighting spirit. Despite facing many difficulties, coach Kim Sang-sik still affirmed that the goal of the Vietnamese team is to defeat Malaysia right on the opponent's field.
The current squad may not be full of familiar stars, but still possesses cohesion and discipline, factors that helped the Vietnamese team win the 2024 ASEAN Cup.
Instead of relying on a specific star, the Vietnam team under coach Kim developed team play, with many players capable of scoring from the second line.
On the defensive front, the three central defenders Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, and Bui Tien Dung created a steel wall in front of Dinh Trieu's goal.
On the two wings, Xuan Manh and Van Vi will take charge of both defense and attack support. The midfield is where Vietnam has high expectations with the presence of Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Hai Long and Duc Chien - names with good technique and the ability to quickly change state. Up front, Tien Linh or Tuan Hai can take the lead in scoring.
Although Malaysia is a big challenge, especially away, the "Golden Star Warriors" are brave enough to overcome the pressure and aim for a victory right at Bukit Jalil.
The match between Vietnam and Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers will take place at 20:00 on June 10.
