Keep the pace of competition after the situation changes
The disciplinary decision from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has created a major change in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The Malaysian national team was defeated 0-3 in two matches against Nepal and Vietnam for using unqualified players. At the same time, the Malaysian Football Federation was fined 50,000 USD and must fulfill financial obligations within the prescribed time limit.
This changed the group situation. The Malaysian team was deducted 6 points, from the leading position to 2nd place with 9 points, goal difference decreased significantly (+2). Meanwhile, the Vietnamese team was added a 3-0 victory in the direct confrontation, raising the total score to 15, improving goal difference to +13 and rising to the top of the group with a perfect record.
With a 6-point gap compared to Malaysia when the qualifying round is only 1 match left, the Vietnamese team officially won a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup finals 1 round early without caring about the results of the last match.
Although the situation has been decided in terms of points, the goal of the Vietnamese team has not changed. That is to take the field with the highest determination, aiming for the best result in the rematch against Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium on March 31. The match is no longer decisive for the overall ranking, but it is an opportunity for players to maintain their form and prepare for long-term goals.
From a professional perspective, early completion of the goal of passing the qualifying round helps the team have conditions to adjust the plan. Instead of being pressured about the results, the coaching staff can focus on maintaining a stable playing state and controlling the pace of the match according to tactical intentions.
Expanding personnel and playing style experiments
In the context of having ensured a ticket to continue, the March 2026 gathering is considered a suitable period for the Vietnamese national team to review the force and test personnel options. The list of 23 players called up by coach Kim Sang-sik still retains the familiar framework, and at the same time gives opportunities to some new faces and factors returning after injuries.
The return of defender Doan Van Hau and center-back Tran Dinh Trong helps the Vietnamese national team's defense have more options. Both are in the process of regaining their playing form, being facilitated at the national team level is the basis for the coaching staff to assess their ability to meet professional requirements.
In midfield and attack, the Vietnamese team continues to maintain the framework with Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Tuan Hai or Xuan Son. However, the performance and scoring efficiency of these players in the past time is something that needs to be improved, because each person is facing different problems.
In addition, coach Kim Sang-sik also has the opportunity to experiment or change the operation of the playing style. Adjustments may focus on increasing the speed of ball deployment, improving coordination in the baseline area and assessing the suitability of each personnel in different formations.
Notably, midfielder Do Hoang Hen, who was called up for the first time, brought more options in organizing attacks. In addition, young players such as Khuat Van Khang or Nguyen Nhat Minh continue to have the opportunity to accumulate experience, thereby serving the long-term plan of the team.
According to the plan, the Vietnamese national team will gather from March 21 in Hanoi, then play a friendly match with Bangladesh before moving to Ninh Binh to prepare for the match against Malaysia on March 31.
In the context of having won the right to advance, the team's goal is not to stop at the match result, but to move towards perfecting the competition system. Personnel testing and adjusting the playing style in this phase will be the basis for building a stable force for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
