The Vietnamese team has a great advantage after a 2-0 victory at Malaysia's stadium. However, commentator Quang Huy believes that coach Kim Sang-sik and his team still need to maintain focus as Malaysia will definitely push up the squad in the second leg on the evening of August 19.
Malaysia can still create dangerous situations
Assessing the Vietnamese team's ability to protect the advantage, commentator Quang Huy said that the current team has more solidity and bravery, but Malaysia can still create unexpected situations.
The first leg won away in a tight match, but we still have to be wary. I think the opponent will have divine moments, wing attacks into the defense as witnessed in the first leg. Le Giang Patrik's excellence has helped the Vietnamese team overcome such situations.
However, I believe Vietnam's defense will learn from experience. Now the level is different and we have the bravery, no longer like before," commentator Quang Huy shared.
According to commentator Quang Huy, the performance of goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik is one of the bright spots of the Vietnamese team in the first leg. The selection of Le Giang Patrik also shows the correct decision of the coaching staff.
With what Nguyen Filip has proven at a high level when playing in Europe, his skills are still very good. But in football, form is very important. Perhaps Van Lam and Nguyen Filip, a person of class, someone who witnessed the ASEAN Cup championship during Mr. Park Hang-seo's time, will be chosen. But Le Giang Patrik was given the opportunity and had an excellent tournament," he said.
Xuan Son gets more inspiration after scoring a goal
Nguyen Xuan Son also left his mark with the opening goal with a beautiful header. According to commentator Quang Huy, this goal not only helped the Vietnamese team create an advantage but also brought a lot of inspiration to the striker who is in the process of returning after injury.
Xuan Son is very eager to score. Yesterday's situation was really a sublime goal and I am very happy for him. The ball gathered enough desire, ball feeling and even stretching power.
Xuan Son is gradually returning after a disastrous injury at Thailand's stadium at the previous ASEAN Cup. We have known his talent, especially in aerial duels and crosses from the right wing," he said.
But the shot just now went to the right side. If he rushed straight, the ball could easily go over the bar or out. Xuan Son actively rushed forward to cut the ball, putting his right head in contact with the ball to direct the ball into the goal. That was a situation that showed that his ball feel was very good.
Truong Tien Anh's cross is also very excellent. But I think Xuan Son is still looking for goals for himself. Such a goal will bring a lot of inspiration so that he can play even better in the upcoming matches," commentator Quang Huy added.
The Vietnamese team has a 2-0 advantage before the second leg, while Malaysia is forced to play offensively to find opportunities to reverse the situation. This is something coach Kim Sang-sik and his team can take advantage of, but first of all, they need to maintain concentration and minimize mistakes.
If successfully defending their advantage, the Vietnamese team will win the right to enter the final of the ASEAN Cup 2026.
