Southeast Asian fans react with surprise to Vietnam's squad list for match against Malaysia

Southeast Asian fans share varied perspectives on Vietnam's official squad for the two fixtures against Bangladesh and Malaysia within the March FIFA Days framework.

Vietnam's March training camp roster is drawing significant attention from the Southeast Asian fan community, especially as the team prepares for its final match against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

On regional forums, many fans express admiration for the squad Vietnam has assembled, which continues to rely on a core of domestic players combined with some naturalized and overseas Vietnamese talents. A widely discussed opinion states: "Vietnam's domestic players are already of high quality; adding naturalized players will make them even stronger."

Additionally, Vietnam's approach to utilizing naturalized players is also being compared. One fan comments: “95% of the players are domestic, with only a few naturalized ones. Vietnam does not rely entirely on external resources.”This viewpoint receives agreement from many, who consider it a sustainable development direction.

In the context where the match against Malaysia is now merely procedural, some suggest that Coach Kim Sang Sik could fully employ a young lineup. “Vietnam could entirely use its U23 team to face Malaysia,” a fan remarks.

Furthermore, the inclusion of overseas Vietnamese player Đỗ Hoàng Hên is also a notable highlight. “Adding players with international experience will diversify the team's playing style,” “He has lived in Vietnam for over 5 years and can speak Vietnamese; he can sing the Vietnamese national anthem.”

Nevertheless, many opinions also mention regrettable absences in this list, notably Tiến Linh. “There is no striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh, but Đoàn Văn Hậu and Đình Trọng have returned.”

Before the encounter with Malaysia on March 31, Vietnam will play a friendly match against Bangladesh on March 26 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium.