Vietnam National Team vs Nepal: A Chance for the Youngsters (7:30 PM, October 14, Live on VTV5 and FPT Play)

14/10/2025 06:56:00 SportScoop

Tonight’s rematch between the two sides is more than just a match to finish the second leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. It also serves as a chance for Coach Kim Sang Sik to tweak the squad and, more importantly, to demonstrate trust in the youthful players eager to prove their worth in the Vietnam national team colors.

A key point in defense is the absence of center-back Bui Tien Dung because of injury. He made an effort to recover and appeared on the field on October 9 in Binh Duong but only played one half before giving way to Van Vi. At that time, Vietnam was playing with a man advantage, and Coach Kim Sang Sik needed Van Vi to strengthen the attack. It is also possible that Bui Tien Dung was hurt, so the Korean coach was willing to play with two center-backs, focusing all energy on the forward line.

The vacant center-back position left by Bui Tien Dung is seen as an ideal opportunity for young defender Nguyen Hieu Minh to step in. Standing 1.84 meters tall and part of the Vietnam U23 squad, he might make his senior national team debut. With good physique, solid positioning, and reliable aerial challenge skills, Hieu Minh promises to be an effective solution to counter Nepal’s aerial play and set-piece threats, a powerful weapon Nepal used to trouble Vietnam in the first leg.

Another possible change is considering Nguyen Nhat Minh to replace Duy Manh, as the Hanoi FC player has shown signs of decline recently at his club. Under Coach Kim Sang Sik, the constant pressing style requires center-backs to be very alert and capable of quick decision-making in tight spaces. This is where the young players have shown clear progress, and for Coach Kim Sang Sik, no one is irreplaceable.

In midfield, Thanh Long has not met expectations when replacing Quang Hai alongside Hoang Duc. Given that Hoang Duc is also showing signs of fatigue after a demanding early season at his club, Coach Kim Sang Sik might consider substituting him with Duc Chien. Hoang Duc’s teammate at Ninh Binh is a strong ball-winning midfielder with great stamina. Additionally, U23 player Xuan Bac is ready to come on. Xuan Bac is known for his ability to distribute the ball and make surprising entries into the penalty area.

The attacking line against Nepal also promises significant adjustments. In the first leg, although Vietnam won 3-1, the players wasted many chances. More than 20 shots were taken, but less than half were on target. Coach Kim Sang Sik has already reminded his players about this.

The Vietnam national team not only needs to beat Nepal but must do so with an impressive and convincing victory. Photo: Tuan Pham

Tien Linh scored on October 9 and is likely to lead the attack from the start again today. However, Hai Long and Tuan Hai might be replaced by Dinh Bac, Thanh Nhan, or Van Khang. Vietnam needs young players with speed, hunger, and the ability to create breakthroughs. Coach Kim Sang Sik may give these young players a starting opportunity.

Veteran players coming on later is also an option. This rotation could surprise the opponent, especially since Coach Matt Ross of Nepal is unlikely to make many personnel changes.

Moreover, the FIFA-ranked 176th Nepal team lost their creative midfielder Limbu due to a red card in the previous match. Nepal will restart with 11 players and could still pose difficulties for Vietnam. However, Coach Kim Sang Sik has a deeper squad quality and will continue to apply pressure to force mistakes from the opposition.

In reality, Vietnam’s win over Nepal in the first leg was partly because the opponent played with one less player. This might have left Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team feeling their efforts were not fully acknowledged. Now, knowing the opponent better in the second leg, Vietnam is expected to play more aggressively at Thong Nhat Stadium.

Nevertheless, the Vietnam team must remain extremely cautious, especially against set-pieces or quick counterattacks from the opponent. Nepal is unlikely to maintain focus throughout the match, particularly tiring towards the end, and the home team could settle the game during that period.

An additional notable point is that while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has yet to make an official decision regarding the case involving seven Malaysian players using false naturalization documents (which could change the standings in Group F if Malaysia is penalized), Vietnam must remind itself to determine its fate through victory on the field.

Securing all 3 points against Nepal is mandatory. This is a chance for Coach Kim Sang Sik’s young players to show great courage and readiness to become pillars of Vietnamese football from now on.

Expected Lineup

Nepal: Kiran Limbu, Sanish Shrestha, Suman Shrestha, Ananta Tamang, Rohit Chand, Arik Bista, Jung Karki, Subash Bam, Rohan Karki, Ayush Ghalan, Manish Dangi.

Vietnam: Trung Kien, Tien Anh, Xuan Manh, Duy Manh, Van Vi, Quang Vinh, Hoang Duc, Duc Chien, Thanh Nhan, Tien Linh, Tuan Hai.

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