Vietnam vs Laos 7:00 p.m.: Decision on Xuan Son
Vietnam vs Laos match at 7:00 p.m. on November 19 at Laos National Stadium, live on VTV5. First leg won 5-0, the focus is on the decision to use Xuan Son; Coach Kim Sang-sik expects him to score.
At 7:00 p.m. on November 19, 2025, Vietnam will meet Laos at the Laos National Stadium in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, live on VTV5. After a 5-0 victory in the first leg, the focus before the match was coach Kim Sang Sik's decision to use naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son - who confirmed that he had recovered and was physically fit to play 90 minutes.
Match information
| Match time | 19:00 November 19, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Competition venue | Laos National Stadium |
| Tournament | Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers |
| Live channel | VTV5 |
| First leg results | Vietnam won 5-0 |
Highlights: Decision with Xuan Son
The decision to let Xuan Son start or enter the field at the right time is ultimately made by coach Kim Sang Sik. Two opposing opinions have emerged: one side hopes to give the striker a starting position after 10 months out due to injury; the other side suggests not taking risks in a match that is considered favorable like against Laos.
- Starting option: help Vietnam take advantage of Xuan Son's ball sense and desire to return from the start.
- Rhythm-based entry plan: reduces risk for players who have just recovered, maintains physical condition.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's statement
Coach Kim Sang-sik shared: “First of all, I am very happy that Son is back in the national team. I would like to thank my family and everyone who has supported Son for a long time. I also thank Nam Dinh Club for their efforts to overcome the difficult period without Son. For the team, his return gives us another quality option. I hope that tomorrow Son will have the opportunity to score and leave his mark.”
Opponent's perspective
Before the match, coach Ha Hyeok Jun shared many things. Notably, the message from the Laos team was: "We have a plan when Xuan Son takes the field".
Expected lineup
| Vietnam | Laos |
|---|---|
| Van Lam, Xuan Manh, Tien Dung, Duy Manh, Pendant Quang Vinh, Bao Toan, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Thanh Long, Viet Cuong, Tien Linh. | Lokphathip, Wenpaserth, Phetviengsy, Somsanith, Xaysombath, Sangvilay, Lueanthala, Khounthoumphone, Thongkhamsavath, Souvany, Bounkong. |
The big picture
Having won 5-0 in the first leg, Vietnam has the basis to aim for another positive result in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Besides the goal of winning, the return of Xuan Son opens up another quality option in the attack. How coach Kim Sang Sik allocates playing time for him – starting or entering the field at the right time – will be the most awaited detail tonight.