Xuan Son returns, Malaysian media worried about Vietnam

Malaysian media called for putting aside the trouble with FIFA to focus on the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, in which the rematch with Vietnam on March 31 is considered key by BHarian. The reason: striker Nguyen Xuan Son has recovered from injury, returned to competition since mid-October and is ready for the national team training session.

Highlight: concerns from the return of a spearhead

BHarian explained the importance of the match against Vietnam lies in the return of Xuan Son. This naturalized Brazilian player was the top scorer of the AFF Cup 2024 and, according to BHarian, was a key factor in Vietnam's victory at the Asian Cup 2024. After 10 months of injury due to a broken tibia and fibula in the second leg of the final against Thailand, he returned to the field in the shirt of Nam Dinh Club in mid-October.

The Malaysian newspaper said that the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has sent a dispatch to Nam Dinh to summon Xuan Son and defender Nguyen Van Vi to the national team. This opens up the possibility that coach Kim Sang-sik will have another striker capable of creating breakthroughs - a factor that BHarian warned Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski to pay special attention to.

Tactical perspective: why a “spearhead” changes the rhythm of the match

The presence of a centre-forward capable of creating chances often forces opponents to adjust their defensive structure: keeping a tighter vertical and horizontal distance, limiting the space between the lines and controlling the 18-yard box. This not only affects the way Malaysia press in the middle third, but also the transitions when they have to provide cover behind the midfield.

BHarian stressed that Malaysia needed to prepare for that scenario in detail. When a striker provides a clear destination for the ball, the defending team often has to make trade-offs: either increase the number of players covering the center, or accept being stretched out. Those choices directly affect the tempo of the game and the space in the wings – which Vietnam can exploit if the opponent exposes gaps.

Events off the field: FAM awaits verdict, risk of points deduction

Malaysia’s preparations are complicated by the issue of using illegal naturalized players. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is still awaiting FIFA’s final decision and has appealed the decision involving seven players: Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces and Rodrigo Holgado. If the appeal fails, Malaysia could face additional sanctions, including a possible points deduction in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Therefore, BHarian called on fans to "forget FIFA" to focus on their professional career - where the match against Vietnam is considered a turning point for the goal of winning a ticket to the final round in Saudi Arabia.

Run-up schedule: important tests

Before the match, Malaysia will play a friendly match with Nepal on November 18. A day later, Vietnam will meet Laos. This is the time for the two teams to finalize their personnel plans, in which Vietnam is waiting for the presence of Xuan Son and Nguyen Van Vi according to the summons from VFF.

Group F situation: "decisive battle"

BHarian said the final Group F match between the two teams was a “decisive battle”, with only the group winner qualifying for the finals. In that context, every detail – from the striker’s finishing ability to the concentration in second-ball situations – could decide the outcome.

Summary

With FIFA concerns still unanswered, Malaysia is advised to focus all its efforts on the challenge on the pitch. On the opposite side, Vietnam can welcome an attacking option that has just returned after a long injury. The match on March 31 is therefore not only a matter of points, but also a test of the tactical adaptability of both teams in the pivotal stage of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

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