Kuala Lumpur, 7 June, 2025 – On the afternoon of June 7, the Vietnam national football team held their second training session in Malaysia at the UM Arena, a venue located within the University of Malaya, near downtown Kuala Lumpur. This stadium, which can accommodate around 1,000 spectators, was once used during the 29th SEA Games and now regularly hosts Malaysian university-level football competitions.
In contrast to the team’s first session held at SIME Darby FC’s open training grounds, this second session was moved to a more enclosed and secure location. The switch signals a strategic shift by the coaching staff as they move into the final phase of tactical preparations. With the critical encounter against Malaysia fast approaching in the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, this change helps the team simulate match-like conditions while maintaining confidentiality around their game plan.
The UM Arena is not entirely unfamiliar to head coach Kim Sang Sik and midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc, as both recently trained there with the ASEAN All Stars squad before their friendly against Manchester United in late May. While the stadium may not be a regular training ground for the team, their prior experience at the venue has given coach Kim a level of familiarity, allowing him to better tailor the training sessions without starting from scratch in adapting to the environment.
The move to a more controlled and private setting underscores Vietnam’s intent to fine-tune their formation and tactical schemes without external distractions or the risk of giving away strategies. With Malaysia expected to field a competitive lineup, including several naturalized players, every element of preparation counts.
Looking ahead, the Vietnam squad is scheduled to hold at least two more training sessions before their highly anticipated match against the Malaysian national team at Bukit Jalil Stadium. The showdown is set for 8:00 PM (Vietnam time) on June 10, and it is shaping up to be a pivotal fixture in determining which team will take a big step toward securing a place in the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
Kim Chi
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