Vietnam national team travels to Laos: aiming for 3 points and a convincing performance.

At 9:35 AM on November 15th, the Vietnamese national team departed Noi Bai Airport for Vientiane with 23 players, setting a clear objective: to secure 3 points and deliver a convincing performance against Laos at 7:00 PM on November 19th. Vietnam is currently second with 9 points, while Laos has 3 points; in the first leg in Binh Duong, Vietnam won 5-0. The favorable circumstances still require discipline and focus from the entire team.

Xuan Son returns, adding more options to the attack.

A highlight of coach Kim Sang Sik's unchanged squad is the return of striker Nguyen Xuan Son. Nearly a year ago, he traveled with the team to Laos but was unable to play due to paperwork issues related to FIFA. After 11 months of treatment and recovery, Xuan Son has reached the physical and mental condition necessary to compete for a starting spot.

During the four training sessions in Phu Tho, Xuan Son displayed high energy, wasn't afraid of physical contact, and made rapid progress. With a focus on flexibility and a strong fighting spirit, Coach Kim Sang Sik now has an additional attacking option at a time when the team needs a burst of energy in the front line. The chances of this striker being given a chance are very high.

Preparations were made in Phu Tho and four days were spent perfecting the set in Vientiane.

The training session on the afternoon of November 14th was considered a crucial step in the preparation phase. Captain Do Duy Manh emphasized the fresh, focused, and cohesive atmosphere when speaking to the media. The entire team embarks on this journey with the mindset of wanting to play a full match against Laos, building on the positive momentum established in Phu Tho.

Upon arriving in Vientiane, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team had four days to familiarize themselves with the stadium and fine-tune their tactics for the match on November 19th. The goal was not just to win, but to win convincingly – a message reflecting the need for disciplined play and seamless execution.

Team cohesion, prioritizing flexibility.

The list of 23 players remains unchanged from the beginning of the training camp, reflecting confidence in the current squad. Alongside the key players, newcomers like Khổng Minh Gia Bảo and Nguyễn Trần Việt Cường bring a fresh perspective, creating positive competition for positions. The remaining challenge for the coaching staff is to maintain a consistent playing rhythm throughout the match.

Group stage context: advantages come with warnings.

Vietnam is rated much higher than Laos. However, long-term experience shows that there is no room for complacency in football. The 5-0 score in the first leg is a benchmark, not a guarantee. Thorough preparation for match situations, controlling the tempo, and handling crucial moments well will determine the ability to translate advantage into a positive result.

Statement by team captain Do Duy Manh

Sharing his goals, captain Do Duy Manh said: “The team represents Vietnam, so each player understands their responsibility. We will give our best, follow the coaching staff's instructions, and aim for victory.” That spirit, combined with the positive atmosphere within the team, is the foundation for achieving a performance that meets expectations.

Key milestones

• Travel time: Departure from Noi Bai Airport at 9:35 AM on November 15th.
• Preparation: 4 training sessions in Phu Tho, the session on November 14th is the final one before departure.
• Match time: 7:00 PM on November 19th in Vientiane.
• First leg result: Vietnam beat Laos 5-0 in Binh Duong.
• Group standings: Vietnam 9 points (second), Laos 3 points (third).

This trip is therefore a test of the Vietnamese national team's character and discipline. If they maintain focus and cohesion, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team has a solid foundation to achieve their goal of three points, while also sending a message about the stable trajectory the entire team is pursuing.