Outstanding issues
After the match between Vietnam and Nepal at Thong Nhat Stadium on the evening of October 14, coach Kim Sang-sik said: "I am satisfied with the fighting spirit of the players, but the team still needs more time to improve. We still lack the fluency in ball control, especially in situations approaching high altitudes or when we need to launch a quick attack."
Against an opponent who was considered weaker like Nepal, the Vietnam team held the ball a lot but did not create many clear opportunities. Coordinations in the midfield area are still lacking in harmony, while the ability to score at the top line is not very effective. Although the final result was still a victory, the performance showed that the team was still struggling to shape their identity under coach Kim Sang-sik.
Football expert Phan Anh Tu said that, despite the limitations, the Vietnam National Team still showed some positive bright spots, especially the progress of individuals. He commented: The match between Nepal and Vietnam took place on a wet field, making it difficult to coordinate quickly, but the team still showed their advantage and class in the first half. Technically, I have nothing to criticize the Vietnam team in the first 45 minutes. It was a pity that we missed a few unfortunate opportunities when the ball hit the wood frame. According to Mr. Tu, Tien Linh was the highlight in the last two matches.
After 7 years of playing for the national team, Tien Linh is reaching his maturity, from being able to receive points when falling to head the ball. Linh's every move is very neat, showing that he is the type of classy center forward that Vietnamese football needs. If there were good "satellites" around, Linh would benefit more and be disadvantaged" - he assessed.
These comments show that although the Vietnam team is not really smooth in collective play, it still possesses individuals who are improving significantly. The problem is how bright spots like Tien Linh can be placed in the right position in the tactical system, creating a harmonious playing style between technique and speed.
Preparing for the key stage
After two favorable first matches, the Vietnam National Team will aim for the November training session with the goal of maintaining stability and overcoming the revealed weaknesses. This is also the time for coach Kim Sang-sik to review the force, preparing for the match considered the "thrill" of the qualifying journey taking place in March 2026 for the Malaysian team.
In the upcoming plan, the coaching staff will likely add some new faces. Fans also expect the return of players who were pillars such as: Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Xuan Son. If Van Hau recovers in time, he can help strengthen the left wing, bring safety in defense and the ability to support effective attacks. Meanwhile, Xuan Son - who made a strong impression in the pre-injury period - promises to significantly improve the attacking power of the Vietnam National Team, in the context that coach Kim Sang-sik is having a "headache" in terms of the players' finishing ability.
In the two matches against the Nepal team, the Vietnam team created many situations to attack the ball but shot hastily, lacking coolness in the final stage. For stronger opponents in the future, missing opportunities will cost them dearly. Therefore, the psychological training and decision-making ability of strikers also need to be focused on.
The victories against the Nepal team still help the Vietnam team maintain second place in Group F. However, the journey towards the 2027 Asian Cup still has many challenges. What fans are looking forward to is not only the result on the scoreboard, but also a Vietnam team that knows how to play convincingly, courageously and stably. That is also the biggest goal that coach Kim Sang-sik and his team need to aim for in the coming months.
