Laos vs Vietnam: Determined to win 3 points, waiting for performance
Vietnam national team will visit Laos National Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on November 19, aiming for 3 points. Van Lam can start, Xuan Son returns, big difference in head-to-head.
At 7:00 p.m. on November 19 (Vietnam time), the Vietnam national team will visit Laos in Group F - Round 5 of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, aiming to win all 3 points and deliver a convincing performance. Van Lam is likely to start; naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son has returned to training, helping to diversify the attacking options.
- Goal: 3 points to secure a ticket to the final round.
- Goalkeeper: Van Lam can start.
- Firepower: Xuan Son returns; midfield Quang Hai - Hoang Duc keeps the rhythm.
- Head to head: Vietnam won all 5 of the most recent meetings, winning 5-0 in the first leg.
| Tournament | Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers |
|---|---|
| Ring | Group F – Match 5 |
| Location | Laos National Stadium, Vientiane |
| Time | 19:00 November 19 (Vietnam time) |
Background and style
Laos entered the match after a 1-5 defeat to Malaysia, and are still considered one of the weakest teams in Group F. Their fragile defense and poor ability to withstand pressure make it difficult for them to face strong opponents.
Vietnam arrived in Vientiane in good spirits. The positive news about Malaysia being punished by FIFA added to the motivation, but coach Kim Sang-sik and his team knew they had to decide on their own on the field. The recent run of matches showed that the team was gradually stabilizing, with some key players returning.
Head to head statistics
Vietnam has won all 5 recent matches against Laos, many of which ended with a large margin. In the first leg at Go Dau Stadium, Vietnam won 5-0 in an overwhelming match. The difference in class is the reality the home team must face in this rematch.
Force
Laos has a full squad, continuing to rely heavily on Lokphathip, Wenpaserth and Bounkong. However, the number of players who can create breakthroughs is still limited.
Vietnam received good news with the return of Nguyen Xuan Son after a period of injury treatment; in addition, the addition of Viet Cuong and Gia Bao, increasing the rotation options for coach Kim Sang-sik. Xuan Son has returned to training.
Tactics and Hotspots
Laos are likely to play a 4-5-1 with a low block, prioritizing blocking the midfield and limiting space. They look to counter-attack quickly based on the speed of the front line, especially the spaces behind the full-backs.
Vietnam under coach Kim Sang-sik prioritizes controlling the tempo, developing the ball from the second line, and exploiting the flanks to stretch the crowded defense. The 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation can be maintained, depending on the connection level of the trio Hoang Duc - Quang Hai - Thanh Long in the midfield.
The hot spot is in the middle: Vietnam needs to dominate early to control the tempo of the match, avoiding being dragged into a stalemate. In the striker-defender match, Tien Linh promises to have many opportunities when facing the error-prone Lao defense. Dead balls are also a valuable drill if Vietnam maintains the quality of their crosses.
Players to watch
- Laos: Bounkong is the biggest hope, possessing speed and tasked with transitioning.
- Vietnam: Nguyen Xuan Son provides finishing options in the penalty area; Quang Hai and Hoang Duc continue to be the duo that controls the tempo.
Expected lineup
Laos
Lokphathip, Wenpaserth, Phetviengsy, Somsanith, Xaysombath, Sangvilay, Lueanthala, Khounthoumphone, Thongkhamsavath, Souvany, Bounkong.
Vietnam
Van Lam, Xuan Manh, Tien Dung, Duy Manh, Pendant Quang Vinh, Bao Toan, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Thanh Long, Viet Cuong, Tien Linh.
Comments and predictions
Vietnam have superior quality and many attacking options to break down Laos’s massed defence. If they maintain their concentration and make good use of set pieces, victory is within reach.
Prediction: Laos 0-3 Vietnam
