The Vietnam national team has every reason to defeat Malaysia

Malaysia is anxiously awaiting the AFC's decision regarding the case of 7 naturalized players, while the Vietnam team is quietly preparing for their rematch at the end of March.

Ahead of the Vietnam vs Malaysia clash at the end of March, Southeast Asian football is stirred up again. The Football Association of Malaysia is waiting for the ruling related to the complaint about 7 naturalized players. After a 0-4 defeat on foreign soil, coach Kim Sang-sik's squad has plenty of motivation to reclaim their honor. Regardless of the AFC’s verdict for FAM, the balance in this Vietnam vs Malaysia match is likely to favor the red-shirted team.

It is worth recalling that in the last encounter on Malaysian soil, the Vietnam team suffered a bitter 0-4 defeat. It was an evening when Malaysia played exceptionally well, fully utilizing home advantage and nearly their strongest lineup. However, looking deeper into the context at that time, it was clear that Vietnam did not yet have their optimal squad. At that time, Xuân Sơn was still injured, and newly naturalized players like Hoàng Hên or the Vietnamese-Kiều goalkeeper Lê Giang Patrik were not yet included in the squad.

Football is always about timing. The 0-4 loss is not a permanent measure of the strength of either team. Currently, the Vietnam squad is undergoing a strong renewal, becoming younger and more passionate. The addition of new players brings greater squad depth and more tactical options. This is something Malaysia cannot underestimate, regardless of the AFC’s ruling.

If Malaysia is penalized, they may suffer a loss of players or face significant psychological pressure. But even if everything remains unchanged, Vietnam still has enough grounds to believe in a different outcome. This rematch is not just a regular qualifier; it is a matter of pride. After the heavy 0-4 defeat, the Vietnamese players surely understand they must respond with a convincing and resilient performance.

In summary, the investigation results concerning FAM might impact media and public opinion, but on the field, everything will be decided by ability and determination. With what they currently possess, the Vietnam team is fully capable of turning their away match against Malaysia into a new nightmare for their opponents.