Binh Duong – Laos national team head coach Ha Hyeok Jun arrived in Vietnam past midnight, exuding calm confidence despite his side’s poor historical record against Vietnam, ahead of their Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on March 25 at Go Dau Stadium.
Following a 4-1 defeat to Vietnam at home in the 2024 ASEAN Cup group stage, Laos now faces the ASEAN champions again, but Ha remains unfazed by a recent 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in a friendly, viewing it as a stepping stone to challenge Kim Sang-sik’s squad.
Preparing for their Group F opener, Laos tested their mettle against 200th-ranked Sri Lanka, only to fall short. Yet, Ha Hyeok Jun shrugged off the setback: “That match was about experimenting with lineups and players. Losing 1-2 to a team ranked 200 isn’t a shock—it’s part of our buildup to face Vietnam.” He hinted at surprises up his sleeve, adding, “We’re in a training cycle for the Asian Cup qualifiers, starting with Vietnam. Watch for how we shake things up—tactically and with personnel.”
The South Korean coach downplayed logistical challenges, noting Binh Duong’s conditions mirror those in Vientiane. “The climate and pitch here aren’t much different from home,” he said. “With limited prep time, that’s an advantage.” His familiarity with Southeast Asian football, paired with this adaptability, fuels his belief in Laos’ potential to unsettle Vietnam despite their underdog status.
Ha offered a measured take on Vietnam: “From what I’ve seen since the ASEAN Cup, Kim Sang-sik’s team hasn’t changed drastically.” While acknowledging Vietnam’s strength—evident in their 2-1 friendly win over Cambodia—he sees room to exploit. Laos’ roster, featuring three new naturalized players since the ASEAN Cup, could be key to his plan. “We’re not here just to defend,” he teased. “We’ve got something to show.”
As Vietnam fine-tunes after a shaky Cambodia performance, Ha Hyeok Jun’s relaxed demeanor and bold words set the stage for an intriguing clash at 7:30 p.m. on March 25. Laos may be the underdogs, but their coach is banking on a tactical twist to steal the spotlight.
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