Vietnam vs Laos 7:00 PM: The decision regarding Xuan Son
The Vietnam vs Laos match will take place at 7:00 PM on November 19th at the Laotian National Stadium, broadcast live on VTV5. The first leg ended 5-0 in a win, with the focus being on the decision to field Xuan Son; Coach Kim Sang-sik expects him to score.
At 7:00 PM on November 19, 2025, the Vietnam national team will face the Laos national team at the Laos National Stadium in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, broadcast live on VTV5. Following their 5-0 victory in the first leg, the focus before kick-off is coach Kim Sang Sik's decision to field naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son – who has confirmed he has recovered and is fit enough to play the full 90 minutes.
Match information
| Match time | 7:00 PM, November 19, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Competition venue | Lao National Stadium |
| Tournament | 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers |
| Live channel | VTV5 |
| First leg results | Vietnam won 5-0 |
Highlight: The decision regarding Xuan Son
The decision of whether to start Xuan Son or bring him on at the appropriate time rests with coach Kim Sang Sik. Two opposing viewpoints have emerged: one side hopes to give the striker a starting spot after 10 months sidelined by injury; the other side suggests not taking any risks in a match considered favorable like the one against Laos.
- Starting lineup option: helps Vietnam capitalize on Xuan Son's ball control and desire to return right from the start.
- The approach involves gradually bringing players onto the field: reducing risks for recovering players and maintaining their physical condition.
Statement by Coach Kim Sang-sik
Coach Kim Sang-sik shared: “First of all, I am very happy that Son is back with the national team. I want to thank his family and everyone who has supported Son for a long time. I also thank Nam Dinh Club for their efforts in overcoming the difficult period when Son was absent. For the national team, his return gives us another quality option. I hope tomorrow Son will have the opportunity to score and leave his mark.”
Opponent's perspective
Ahead of the match, coach Ha Hyeok Jun shared several thoughts. Notably, the message from the Laos national team was: "We have a plan in place for when Xuan Son takes the field."
Predicted 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 overall picture
Having won 5-0 in the first leg, Vietnam has grounds 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 attack. How coach Kim Sang Sik allocates his playing time – whether as a starter or as a substitute at the right time – will be the most anticipated detail tonight.
