Match affirms position
The rematch between Vietnam National Team and Malaysia National Team at Thien Truong Stadium takes place in the context that the situation of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers has been decided, after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decided that Malaysia National Team lost 2 matches to Vietnam National Team and Nepal National Team for using players against regulations.
The Vietnamese team with 15 points and the top spot in the rankings officially won a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup finals 1 match early. Meanwhile, the Malaysian team was deducted 6 points, fell to 2nd place and no longer has a chance to compete. However, the match between the two teams still has a meaning for their position in Southeast Asia.
In terms of head-to-head history, the Vietnamese team is in an advantage over their opponent. In the last 5 encounters, the "Golden Star Warriors" have won all, scored 12 goals and conceded only 2 goals. Vietnam's 0-4 defeat to Malaysia in the first leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers was later cancelled.
The Malaysian team entered this match with many force changes. The absence of 7 naturalized players who participated in the first leg significantly affected the team's strength. Although still retaining some key players such as Dion Cools or Endrick dos Santos, the stability in the operating system is no longer the same as before. Some names that were once expected such as Bergson da Silva or Giancarlo Gallifuoco also did not participate. In terms of playing style, Malaysia is still loyal to an approach based on physical strength, long balls and speed on both wings. However, when lacking individuals capable of creating breakthroughs, this system is difficult to maintain efficiency. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese team has stability in personnel and football philosophy, especially the ability to control the ball and quickly switch states. Of course, coach Kim Sang-sik's team is not under pressure on points but still aims to maintain a winning streak.
Test of the Vietnamese team
The 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the international friendly match is considered an important warm-up step in terms of tactics for the Vietnamese team. In this match, coach Kim Sang-sik tested many personnel options and how to operate the playing style.
In the defense, the return of Doan Van Hau and Tran Dinh Trong brings more options. Van Hau can take on the role of full-back with attack support ability, while Dinh Trong is suitable for the right center-back position in the 3-man formation.
Bui Hoang Viet Anh helps increase the ability to compete for aerial balls, suitable when facing Malaysia's long ball playing style.
In midfield, the appearance of Do Hoang Hen brings a new organizational plan. This player tends to play high, directly participating in attacking situations, unlike the traditional control midfielder model. When combined with satellites around, Vietnam's midfield can flexibly switch between control and quick counter-attack.
In attack, the combination between Nguyen Xuan Son and Hoang Hen is also something to look forward to. Xuan Son plays the role of center forward with the ability to attract defenders, creating space for teammates. Meanwhile, Hoang Hen can move wide, participate in coordination and finish from the second line.
A noteworthy point is how coach Kim Sang-sik uses personnel in an open direction. He does not fix a framework but continuously rotates to evaluate each position. Therefore, the match against Malaysia is an opportunity to verify the tested options.
The match between Vietnam National Team and Malaysia National Team takes place at 7 pm on March 31st at Thien Truong Stadium, live on FPT Play.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Kim Sang-sik said: "Although we have won a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, the Vietnamese team will still be determined to win. This is both an important match and helps the team prepare for future plans. I personally expect the Vietnamese team to beat the Malaysian team 2-0.
