outstanding issues
Vietnam completed their target by winning 3-1 against Nepal in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup. Fans may be satisfied with the result, but it is difficult to be satisfied with what happened at Binh Duong Stadium on October 9. The home team took an early lead in the 9th minute thanks to a goal by Nguyen Tien Linh with a neat finish. It was thought that the moment of brilliance of the striker born in 1997 would help the Vietnam team play easily, but the match scenario was completely different. Not long after, the Nepal team suddenly equalized from a set piece. Duy Manh could not accompany the opponent, while Van Lam was helpless in the goal.
In the next period, the Vietnam team completely dominated the game but only had a few notable plays. Tuan Hai shot into the net of Nepal but he was offside. In the 45+2 minute, Limbu received a direct red card after a foul in front of Hai Long's penalty area. The Ne team had to play with one less player for more than half of the match.
From here, the disappointment began to increase. The Vietnamese team played with one more player but was very stuck against Nepal. The South Asian representative has only 10 people but plays with determination and continuously neutralizes many attacks by the Vietnam team. Veteran goalkeeper Kiran transformed into a hero with no less than 5 miraculous saves.
Things gradually changed when coach Kim Sang-sik played all-in with all the best attacking players on the field. Nguyen Hoang Duc was pushed up close to the penalty area to provide an assist. Finally, the goals of Xuan Manh and Van Vi solved the difficult problem.
The Vietnamese team has no breakthrough options in the two border corridors. The midfield is not creative enough to penetrate the opponent's net. Even the defense with Van Lam and Duy Manh and Xuan Manh made mistakes that almost created an opportunity for the opponent to score.
No more room for experimentation
In this training list, coach Kim Sang-sik called up 7 players of U23 Vietnam who are of age to participate in the 33rd SEA Games. Until the match-up, many people expected the Korean coach to experiment with the new recruits and bring them many valuable experiences in their careers.
But the reality is that the fall has made Mr. Kim only be able to use young players in the most limited way. Nguyen Thanh Nhan was put on the field because the Vietnam team really needs a way to break the speed, that is not experimentation. Dinh Bac played for a few minutes when this match had already yielded results.
A series of other rookies such as Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Hieu Minh or Nguyen Nhat Minh, including Van Khang and Trung Kien, were all out until the final whistle.
The Vietnamese team played with the strongest squad but still struggled to win. Meanwhile, the Nepal team is truly a formidable opponent, especially the fighting spirit of this team. In the upcoming rematch, coach Kim Sang-sik will certainly have to be more careful, so the number of testing young players will hardly increase.
But that is not to say there are no opportunities for the U23 group of players. Dang Van Lam's performance more or less brought insecurity to the Vietnam team's goal. It is time for Tran Trung Kien to step into the light at the age of 22 and that could be a turning point for the national team. In attack, Tuan Hai and Hai Long are not good at breaking through, creating space. Energy sources from Thanh Nhan, Dinh Bac or Van Khang will be ready to take the field. Still a popular defense of Nepal waiting for the Vietnam team, this is the time for Tien Linh and his teammates to make a difference.
Above all, the Vietnam team really needs a victory with an even more convincing score. Coach Kim Sang-sik needs to make a precise decision on personnel and 3 points is a mandatory goal for the Vietnam team at this time.
The match between Vietnam and Nepal in the second leg of the 2027 Asian Cup final qualifiers will take place at 7:30 p.m. on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium (HCMC).
