Vietnam National Team and the 'special' factor ahead of the crucial clash with Malaysia

During the training camp preparing for the match on March 31 at Thien Truong Stadium, the Korean coach has at least 8 players taller than 1.8 meters, a number rarely seen before.

The Vietnam national team is entering the rematch against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with a very different look: taller, stronger, and ready to engage physically. Under Coach Kim Sang-sik, the "Golden Star Warriors" are on the verge of fielding the tallest average height squad in their history, asserting that Vietnam no longer fears opponents with naturalized players who have superior physical stature in the region.

The 0-4 defeat to Malaysia at Bukit Jalil Stadium in June 2025 remains an unforgettable memory. In that match, Vietnam was completely outmatched by a lineup of naturalized players with European and South American physical and experiential backgrounds. Despite controversies surrounding the naturalized players' eligibility by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and awaiting a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the reality remains unchanged: Malaysia retains the right to field their strongest team. In this context, instead of relying on external factors, Coach Kim Sang-sik chose a more direct approach: upgrading the Vietnamese squad itself, especially in terms of physique and competitiveness.

The Vietnam squad has seen a generation of players with excellent physical condition over the past five years. The goalkeeping position is secured by Nguyễn Filip (1.92 m), Đặng Văn Lâm (1.88 m), Trần Trung Kiên (1.91 m), and Patrik Lê Giang (1.91 m). The defense and midfield are equally strong with Đỗ Duy Mạnh (1.8 m), Nguyễn Hoàng Đức (1.83 m). Up front, Nguyễn Xuân Sơn (1.85 m) and Nguyễn Tiến Linh (1.81 m) offer a combination of strength and experience.

Additionally, Đỗ Phi Long – Gustavo (1.95 m) and Đỗ Hoàng Hên (1.81 m) are naturalized foreign players after many years playing in the V-League, while Patrik Lê Giang is a Vietnamese overseas player recently granted Vietnamese citizenship. They are not only tall but also possess superior technical skills, game intelligence, and mental toughness compared to the general level. If called up to the national team, they would be extremely valuable additions.

Notably, this shift is not limited to the national team. The young talent pool from Vietnam U23 is showing positive signs with names like Nguyễn Đình Bắc, Đinh Quang Kiệt (1.96 m), Phạm Lý Đức, and Nguyễn Hiểu Minh. This reflects changes in training methods, from nutrition and selection to physical conditioning.

The upcoming match against Malaysia could unfold in many ways, but the crucial point is that Vietnam must compete evenly and not be physically outmatched from the start. The "innovation" pursued by Coach Kim Sang-sik may be challenging, but it is necessary for the team to be competitive in Southeast Asia and beyond in Asia. To progress, Vietnam needs not only skill but also greater height, strength, and endurance on every square meter of the pitch.