Vietnam vs. Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium: Coach Kim Sang-sik determined to win 2-0.
On the evening of March 31st, the Vietnamese national team will face Malaysia again at Thien Truong Stadium with the goal of securing a convincing victory. Coach Kim Sang-sik and striker Xuan Son are both eager to score goals to show their gratitude to the fans.
The focus of Vietnamese football on March 31st was on Thien Truong Stadium, where the home team faced their long-time rivals Malaysia. Although the group standings in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers were already decided with Vietnam securing their place, the match remained incredibly tense due to the importance of pride and the need to assert tactical strength from both sides.
The Malaysian Tigers' determination to get revenge and the response from coach Kim Sang-sik.
Speaking before the match, Malaysia's captain Dion Cools didn't hesitate to affirm his goal of defeating Vietnam on their home ground to restore their honor. Despite Malaysia's squad being depleted due to AFC sanctions, Cools still showed a strong desire to score and prove the team's true capabilities on the field.
In response to the opponent's confidence, coach Kim Sang-sik set a specific goal: a victory by a two-goal margin. The South Korean strategist wants the Vietnamese national team to prove their class through actual professional results, rather than relying solely on favorable decisions behind the scenes. With a 15-match unbeaten streak currently underway, the team's confidence is at its highest level.
Key personnel: The return of Van Hau and the aspirations of Xuan Son
One of the most notable highlights is the return of defender Doan Van Hau after a long period of injury treatment. His presence is expected to significantly strengthen the flanks, bringing solidity and steel to the defense. In addition, naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son is also approaching a significant milestone as he celebrates his 28th birthday on the same day. The striker aims to score against Malaysia as a gift to himself and his fans.
On the other side of the pitch, Malaysia is counting on midfielder Endrick. This naturalized player currently plays in the V.League for CAHN FC and is very familiar with the playing style of his teammates such as Tien Linh and Van Thanh. Endrick's practical experience in Vietnam is a weapon that coach Peter Cklamovski hopes will help Malaysia exploit the weaknesses of the home team.
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Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, the Indonesian national team missed out on the FIFA Series 2026 title on home soil at Bung Karno Stadium after a 0-1 defeat to Bulgaria. Marin Petkov's only goal from the penalty spot in the 38th minute sealed a narrow victory for the Indonesian team, despite hitting the crossbar twice.
At the youth level, the Vietnam U20 women's team, under the guidance of coach Masahiko Okiyama, is actively training in Bangkok in preparation for the 2026 Asian Championship Finals. The team's schedule in Group A has been specifically determined as follows:
| Match Day | Competitor | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 01/04 | China U20 women's team | Bangkok |
| 04/04 | Thailand U20 women's team | Bangkok |
| 07/04 | Bangladesh U20 women's team | Bangkok |
Overall, Vietnamese football is entering a crucial phase with many major events. From the national team's efforts to assert its position against Malaysia to the young women's team's campaign to qualify for the World Cup, all demonstrate a high level of focus aimed at achieving new successes on the international stage.
