Indonesian media are wary of Vietnam's strength ahead of their rematch against Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium.
Superball predicts that coach Kim Sang-sik's team will win against Malaysia thanks to their impressive squad depth, which includes both naturalized stars and experienced key players.
Indonesian media recently showered the Vietnamese national team with praise, predicting a victory against Malaysia on March 31, 2026, at Thien Truong Stadium. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnamese team is considered to possess a formidable squad, capable of dominating their regional rivals.
A super-strong squad and the addition of resources from overseas Vietnamese.
Superball magazine noted that despite having already secured a place in the 2027 Asian Cup finals, the Vietnamese national team remains cautious, having called up all of its finest stars. The team's current strength is significantly bolstered by the inclusion of quality naturalized players and overseas Vietnamese.
New names like striker Nguyen Xuan Son, midfielder Do Hoang Hen, and defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team's playing style. Alongside them, seasoned veterans such as Nguyen Filip, Dang Van Lam, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Quang Hai, and Nguyen Hoang Duc continue to play irreplaceable roles as key players.
Notably, the return of defender Doan Van Hau after more than two years of absence is a very positive sign for the defense. His appearance gives coach Kim Sang-sik more optimal personnel options in preparation for major tournaments.
Squad depth is a key weapon.
Analyzing the depth of the squad, Indonesian media emphasized that the current list doesn't even include all the best players. Superball commented:"Coach Kim Sang-sik is still without the services of several key players, such as center-back Bui Tien Dung, midfielder Nguyen Thai Son, and forwards Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Tien Linh.".
These players are considered a strategic reserve force, ready to return when they recover from injury or regain their top form. The abundance of personnel in every position is a factor that makes regional rivals wary:
- Goalkeeper position:Besides Nguyen Filip and Dang Van Lam, young talents like Tran Trung Kien and Cao Van Binh are always ready to step in as replacements.
- Defense:There are many quality options such as Nguyen Thanh Chung or Pham Ly Duc.
- Attacking line:The combination of naturalized players and domestic stars creates many options for attacking the goal.
The current squad is considered a key factor for the Vietnamese national team to conquer titles in 2026, focusing on the AFF Cup 2026 and the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. With the home advantage at Thien Truong Stadium and a squad of players in their prime, coach Kim Sang-sik's team has a significant advantage in the upcoming match against Malaysia.
