Thieu Cong Phuong, no problem...
Striker Nguyen Cong Phuong's departure from the Vietnam national team actually did not affect the calculations of coach Kim Sang-sik too much. In addition, on June 2, when Mr. Kim first assembled the team, Cong Phuong was only in the reserve group.
That said, the absence of Cong Phuong may bring regret to fans, but for the Korean coach, he has had his own optimal framework right from the original plan and the striker born in 1995 is uncertain to have a starting position.
The story is similar to the absence of Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Nguyen Thanh Binh, plus the injury of midfielder Nguyen Duc Chien. All 3 players are talented in V.League. However, from the user of Mr. Kim's people in the past 9 months, Viet Anh, Thanh Binh or Duc Chien is not in the team's "eraser" group.
Therefore, despite the Vietnamese team facing a personnel disadvantage due to injuries, coach Kim Sang-sik can still calmly assemble the formation for the home team.
Not afraid of getting stronger opponents
In recent days, the Malaysian team has continuously welcomed naturalized players from Spain and Argentina. Although they have only been present for a very short time, with their high level of individual talent, facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado or Hector Hevel still make Vietnamese fans worried.
More than a year ago, the Vietnamese team also faced a massive naturalization of Indonesia, with many players competing in Europe. After that, the team under the leadership of predecessor Troussier continuously failed in the 2023 Asian Cup finals and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Of course, fans do not want Mr. Kim Sang-sik and his team to follow in the footsteps of the fallen cars.
Mr. Kim is cautious but not necessarily optimistic. Based on documents surrounding the friendly match between Malaysia and Cape Verde (losing 0-3 and drawing 1-1), the captain of the Vietnamese team is confident in developing a framework and coping plan.
Based on the two most recent tactical training sessions and the practice match with U22, Mr. Kim has faith in goalkeeper Nguyen Filip. The stability in form and fitness at this time is one of the factors that make the overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper more trusted than Dinh Trieu.
In addition, against an opponent with many stars playing in Europe, South America... an international goalkeeper like Filip is a suitable solution.
Supporting above is the central defender trio who have played very well at the ASEAN Cup 2024, namely Thanh Chung, Tien Dung and Duy Manh. Mr. Kim needs the ability to collide, fight, and roll from Thanh Chung when facing strikers who are inclined towards the strength of the Malaysian side. Meanwhile, Tien Dung and Duy Manh, in addition to covering the defense, are also capable of passing long balls over the line.
Mr. Kim also built a left wing rich in speed and power from Van Vi and Cao Pendant Quang Vinh. Realizing that Malaysia often rose to the middle of the field in the match against Cape Verde, the Korean coach advised Van Vi or Quang Vinh to escape down to receive a way to cross the line below.
Similarly, on the right wing, where Truong Tien Anh - the diligent "werker" always waited for coordination. Finally, in the midfield, Mr. Kim trusted Hoang Duc, Minh Khoa, Hai Long, and Tien Linh in the attack line, who operated quite frequently in the penalty area.
With the bored teams that can approach Malaysian football, coach Kim Sang-sik hopes to create a counter-attacking streak with the opponent. That also shows that he did not plan to play defensively at Bukit Jalil.
On the contrary, in the context of Malaysia being confident in the power of naturalized players, Mr. Kim is also ready to take turns with the ability to counter-attack quickly based on the opponent's mistakes.
