Vietnam National Team: Achievements and Challenges

16/10/2025 06:55:00 FieldFrenzy

Two successive wins against Nepal have allowed Vietnam to collect 9 points after 4 matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, maintaining pressure on Malaysia in the rankings. Nevertheless, a detailed review of Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team performance across these two games reveals that Vietnam still faces numerous challenges to develop into a solid and consistent squad.

Among the 4 goals scored against Nepal in the two matches, only striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh scored (in the first leg). The other goals were netted by defenders (Văn Vĩ, Xuân Mạnh) and one own goal by an opposing defender.

This reflects a concerning situation for the team following Xuân Son’s long-term injury absence. The Vietnamese attack remains heavily reliant on Tiến Linh, a striker often criticized by fans as "wooden feet" but still the best finisher currently. From club to national level this season, Tiến Linh has scored 4 goals in 8 matches. Had fortune favored him more in the October 14 second leg, he would have reached 5 goals.

Regrettably, players expected to share the goal-scoring burden like Tuấn Hải, Hai Long, and young talents Thanh Nhàn and Đình Bắc have not been able to make a significant difference. Thanh Nhàn and Đình Bắc both hit the post in the second leg, showing limited effectiveness. However, Thanh Nhàn and Đình Bắc will have opportunities to develop their skills further at the national team level.

The absence of Quang Hải is also a major concern for Coach Kim Sang Sik. Although Hoàng Đức is technically skilled and experienced, his fitness issues have affected his performance. The Ninh Bình club player appeared to have stamina problems, playing only in the first leg before resting, and in the second leg, Hoàng Đức was on the field for just one half.

With both Hoàng Đức and Quang Hải missing, Vietnam lost its creativity and leadership on the field. Replacement midfielders Thành Long and Đức Chiến are mainly ball recoverers. Both were expected to fill the central organizing role but only performed adequately without creating the necessary breakthroughs.

The lack of creativity in midfield made Vietnam’s combinations monotonous and easy to read, especially against a densely packed Nepal defense. The final minutes of the second leg saw Vietnam struggle, becoming disjointed and even dominated by Nepal’s gameplay.

A rare highlight was the performance of the U23 players. In both matches, Coach Kim Sang Sik confidently gave chances to young players such as Hiểu Minh, Thanh Nhàn, Trung Kiên, Đình Bắc, and Văn Khang. Young center-back Hiểu Minh stood out with his good positioning and solid challenges. He contributed to the early goal in the second leg by joining the attack, which caused a Nepal defender to score an own goal. Although many U23 teammates have not been as effective as Hiểu Minh, the spirit and energy brought by the young players is a promising sign for the future.

Successfully utilizing U23 players like Thanh Nhàn (wearing white) is one of Coach Kim Sang Sik’s positive marks from the two matches against Nepal. Photo: Tuấn Phạm

If we only look at ball possession and shot statistics compared to Nepal, Vietnam clearly outperformed them. However, watching closely every minute on the pitch, spectators can notice the lack of coherence in combinations. Players have yet to find a common understanding and lack the ability to create surprises from live play situations.

Even with good control of the game, Vietnam still struggled to convert chances into goals. Depending on set pieces or opponent errors clearly shows tactical and creative limitations in their style of play.

The second leg at Thống Nhất Stadium was played under poor weather conditions, with a slippery field after heavy rain that affected both teams’ gameplay. Nevertheless, this cannot justify Vietnam’s ineffective performance. Such conditions require players to be calmer and more precise in their handling. Even Coach Kim Sang Sik openly admitted the shortcomings of his team.

Undeniably, the Korean coach achieved his goal of gaining 6 points from two matches and keeping a clean sheet in the second leg. However, Coach Kim Sang Sik also expressed disappointment with his players’ finishing skills and stamina throughout the game. Although it is early in the season, the fact that players could not maintain fitness for the full 90 minutes, as seen in the recent second leg, is a serious concern.

Going forward, Vietnam may no longer rely solely on domestic players. Coach Kim Sang Sik and the VFF are considering adding naturalized players like Patrik Lê Giang, Santos Gustavo, Janclesio, Hendrio, and Geovane. These quality players have performed well in the V-League and could be key to raising the national team’s level in the near future.

Together with the gradually maturing U23 generation, Vietnam could form a highly competitive squad with depth and more balanced quality. These are essential prerequisites for reaching the continental level.

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