Vietnam rematch Laos: pressure to perform, renew the attack
Visiting Vientiane after a 5-0 first leg victory, the Vietnamese team is aiming for 3 points with convincing play. Xuan Son returns, new recruits Gia Bao, Gia Hung, and Viet Cuong can make a difference against a young Laos team that has conceded 14 goals in 4 matches.
Vietnam will meet Laos again in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, with more than just a win required. After a 5-0 win in Go Dau, the requirement for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team in Vientiane is a clear performance, enough to strengthen their confidence and create psychological momentum before the decisive match with Malaysia in March next year.
Pressure to perform rather than just score
The upper hand is clear, but the message from the coaching staff is focused on how Vietnam control the tempo, maintain distance and organize pressing. The problem is no longer 3 points, but the quality of 90 minutes - a measure of collective state against direct opponents Malaysia.
Human resources: a new breeze and the return of Xuan Son
The two training sessions at the Lao National Stadium's auxiliary field did not reveal the starting lineup. However, new recruits such as Gia Bao, Gia Hung, Viet Cuong appeared alongside the pillars Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Hai Long, Le Van Do, showing the intention to renew. The big highlight was Xuan Son - who has fully recovered from injury after nearly a year of "starving". The possibility of this midfielder entering the field in the second half is highly appreciated, even though he is not sure to be a starter.
Laos is young, energetic but fragile.
Laos have a very young squad, mostly U22s. After four qualifying matches, they have conceded 14 goals. They had a surprise win over Nepal, then lost to Sri Lanka and lost both legs to Malaysia by a total of eight goals. They have had their moments of brilliance, but have struggled against well-organised and fast-paced opponents – a point Vietnam are gradually improving on.
Tactics: midfield control and organized pressing
The two recent victories against Nepal show that Vietnam is finding its familiar operating model: dominating the midfield, maintaining team distance, organized pressing and high discipline. Those aspects need to be reproduced against Laos to confirm the playing style. In the middle, the coordinating role of Hoang Duc and the ability to create breakthroughs of Quang Hai and Hai Long are the key to maintaining the initiative.
The problem of scoring efficiency
Finishing efficiency is still the biggest problem. In the context of the goal of "winning and winning beautifully", coach Kim Sang-sik needs to refresh the attack. Some faces that scored in the first leg such as Hai Long, Quang Hai, Van Vi are capable of breaking the deadlock. The highlight waiting lies in the rotation between Xuan Son - Gia Hung - Viet Cuong, as a practical test of personnel and the diversity of attack options.
The battle on the Korean coaching bench
The rematch also marks the competition between two Korean coaches: Hyeok-jun Ha and Kim Sang-sik. With the same philosophy, but different personnel, Vietnam is rated higher. With 6 wins in the last 7 matches, plus a big win over Laos in the first leg despite not having the strongest squad, Vietnam has the basis to aim for an active and controlled game.
Highlights await
- Upper position after 5-0 win in the first leg.
- The return of Xuan Son and the possibility of entering the field in the second half.
- New breeze from rookies Gia Bao, Gia Hung, Viet Cuong.
- Young Laos, conceding 14 goals in 4 matches, lacked stability against organized opponents.
- A test of pressing, team size and ability to convert chances.
Meaning: create momentum for March
More than an away win in Vientiane, Vietnam need a convincing performance to take them into March with confidence. A controlled game, a clear rhythm and an improved scoring rate will be an important message to Malaysia – who beat Vietnam 4-0 but are also a measure of their recovery after two wins against Nepal.
