Vietnam national football team gets a 'new look'

14/10/2025 09:39:00 ChampionChatter

To secure convincing wins, the Vietnam team must be more proactive, inventive, and flexible in their gameplay.

Immediately ahead, Vietnam has a rematch against Nepal at Thong Nhat Stadium tonight. Following that, they will play two matches against Laos and Malaysia to conclude the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying round. Facing difficulties, the path ahead for coach Kim Sang Sik’s team remains arduous.

Many analysts suggest that after gaining a clearer understanding of their opponent, Vietnam will deliver a more convincing performance in the rematch. However, Nepal has also identified some strengths and weaknesses of Kim Sang Sik’s players to challenge them once again.

Coach Matt Ross acknowledges Vietnam’s superiority over his players but also shared that with a full squad of 11 players on the field, unlike the early disadvantage in the first leg, the second match will be a "level playing field." That is Ross’s viewpoint; the question is what new elements Vietnam will bring to secure a more decisive victory in the rematch.

Vietnam has been training vigorously in recent days. There are almost no issues with the squad currently at coach Kim Sang Sik’s disposal. The Korean coach’s focus is on enhancing team connectivity, strengthening the defense, and fine-tuning the attack’s precision. These are the three biggest shortcomings Vietnam has revealed recently.

Moreover, several Vietnamese players have underperformed, so it is possible that coach Kim Sang Sik will make changes to the starting lineup for the second leg. If so, players like Hiểu Minh and Nhật Minh may appear in defense, while Đình Bắc, Thanh Nhàn, or Gia Hưng could bring fresh energy to the attacking front.

Vietnam must show a more positive face in the rematch against Nepal today (October 14). Photo: Tuấn Phạm

In reality, missing too many scoring chances and defensive lapses are concerns for Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang Sik must adjust his players to perform optimally in the rematch. Clearly, changes in Vietnam’s team are necessary since the opponent has somewhat identified their playing style and individual strengths and weaknesses.

The primary goal in the rematch is obviously to earn 3 points, but Kim Sang Sik’s team also needs to show fans technical, tactical, personnel strengths, diverse strategies, and a long-term vision. One of the biggest wishes is to improve the attacking line’s ability to break through if the opponent employs a "concrete wall" defense.

In a pre-match training interview, Vietnam’s vice-captain Cao Pendant Quang Vinh revealed that the team will make changes.

"I believe the coaching staff will further adjust tactics. We played well but need to be more assertive in defensive transition situations. When we lose possession, the whole team must press harder to regain control as quickly as possible."

Cao Pendant Quang Vinh was one of the few players who performed well in the first leg with effective offensive and defensive transitions. His remarks also indicate that the players have recognized the current weaknesses in the Vietnam team.

It is evident that Vietnam’s changes are not only for the rematch with Nepal but also for upcoming important tournaments. Coach Kim Sang Sik must find ways to innovate his tactical plans when facing opponents of different levels.

Vietnam’s approach cannot be rigid amid many differences caused by the opponent’s clear changes. The playing philosophy must evolve; they cannot always rely on defensive counterattacks. Priority should be given to proactive attacking, full pressing, and creating free, harmonious space for creative players.

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