Vietnam's national team has the tallest defense line in their history against Malaysia

Vietnam's national team might have a central defense consisting entirely of players over 1.85 meters tall for the clash with Malaysia next March.

The rematch against Malaysia on March 31 is crucial for Vietnam's national team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Vietnam has a strong chance of being awarded a win since Malaysia used ineligible naturalized players in the first leg, but they still need to fight to secure their own fate on the field.

An interesting point is that coach Kim Sang Sik may prioritize deploying a trio of central defenders who are among the tallest in Vietnamese football history. All stand above 1.85m: Văn Hậu (1.85m), Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh (1.86m), and newly naturalized Đỗ Phi Long who is as tall as 1.95m.

During preparations for the rematch, the coaching staff faced challenges with defensive personnel. Kim Sang-sik initially planned to give more chances to young players from Vietnam U23, but this plan was seriously disrupted when Hiểu Minh suffered a severe injury and Lý Đức was suspended. These unavoidable setbacks forced the Korean coach to reconsider, rather than confidently relying on the next generation as originally intended.

One of the highly anticipated players is Đoàn Văn Hậu. After a long recovery from injury, the 1999-born defender is gradually regaining his match form. Standing 1.85m tall with a strong playing style, he can make a difference in one-on-one duels. More importantly, Văn Hậu has experience facing physically strong opponents from West Asia and Southeast Asia, so his composure in matches is unquestionable.

Additionally, Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh remains one of the most reliable defensive anchors currently. The 1.86m tall center back excels in positioning and initiating attacks from the back. When Vietnam has to push forward to seek goals, Việt Anh’s role becomes even more critical. He not only defends but also helps launch quick plays, easing pressure on the midfield.

Another notable case is Đỗ Phi Long, a Brazilian-born player standing 1.95m tall who has just completed his naturalization process. With some key players missing due to injury and suspension, giving this newcomer a chance is seen as a sensible option. If selected, he promises to significantly strengthen aerial defense, enabling Vietnam’s backline to better handle crosses and physically strong Malaysian forwards.

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