Kuala Lumpur, 10 June, 2025 – Following a crushing 0-4 defeat to Malaysia that significantly narrows Vietnam’s path to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, naturalized defender Cao Quang Vinh Pendant has vowed that the team will continue to fight until the final whistle of their qualification campaign.
After two matches in Group F of the third round, Vietnam dropped to second place with 3 points and a +1 goal difference, while Malaysia surged to the top with 6 points and a +6 goal difference. According to the qualification format, rankings are determined by points and head-to-head results. For Vietnam to top the group, they must win all remaining matches and beat Malaysia by at least five goals in the return leg in March 2026. If Vietnam only wins by a four-goal margin, additional tiebreakers such as overall goal difference, goals scored, fair play points, and even a draw of lots will come into play.
While Vietnam’s qualification hopes have dimmed, Quang Vinh remains optimistic. “We won’t give up on our goal of qualifying for the Asian Cup. There are still matches ahead,” the French-born full-back said after the loss at Bukit Jalil Stadium on June 10. “We’ll aim to win every game, especially the home fixture against Malaysia.”
In this match, Vietnam struggled early against a Malaysia squad bolstered by eight naturalized players. Despite holding the hosts to a 0-0 draw in the first half, misfortune struck early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Joao Figueiredo’s long-range shot deflected off Do Duy Manh and wrong-footed goalkeeper Nguyen Filip, giving Malaysia the lead. Vietnam’s defense then collapsed, conceding three more goals to Rodrigo Holgado (59’), Corbin-Ong (67’), and Dion Cools (88’).
“There were many reasons behind the four goals in the second half,” Quang Vinh explained. “We need more unity and effort. We got tired after the first half due to Malaysia’s long-ball approach and strong ball possession.”
This match marked Quang Vinh’s debut for the Vietnamese national team, but it came on a difficult night as Vietnam suffered their worst-ever defeat to Malaysia. He played the full 90 minutes, witnessing firsthand a dominant Malaysian performance.
Vietnam, notably, failed to create any significant scoring opportunities, while Malaysia controlled the match confidently with a starting lineup that featured eight players of foreign descent: defenders Jon Irazabal, Facundo Garces, Lavere Corbin-Ong, Dion Cools, Matthew Davies; midfielder Hector Hevel; and forwards Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado.
“I don’t think their naturalized players were the reason we struggled,” Quang Vinh said. “They’re good players, but so are we. I believe the issue was our motivation—we need to show more urgency in keeping possession and controlling the game.”
Despite the setback, Vietnam still has matches remaining and a chance, albeit slim, to turn things around. Quang Vinh’s determination reflects the spirit of a team not ready to surrender just yet.
Dang Long
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