Ho Chi Minh City, 9 October 2025 – The final qualification round of the 2027 Asian Cup is entering a decisive stage, and for Vietnam, the two consecutive matches against Nepal carry the weight of early “finals.”
After two opening games, coach Kim Sang Sik’s side has collected only three points and currently sits second in Group F. To maintain their hopes of reaching the Asian Cup finals, Vietnam must win both upcoming fixtures. The pressure is immense, but it also serves as motivation for the team to reaffirm their status on the continental stage.
Following friendly matches in September against Hanoi Police FC and Nam Dinh FC, the Vietnamese national team has gradually shaped a clearer tactical framework — one that emphasizes ball control, quick transitions, and high pressing.
In this call-up, despite Quang Hai’s withdrawal due to injury, the team still maintains strong depth thanks to the return of Dang Van Lam, Hoang Duc, and Duc Chien. In addition, Tuan Hai’s impressive form with Hanoi FC provides an attacking boost.
In the upcoming clash with Nepal, Van Lam is almost certain to start in goal. His stability and experience make him a dependable figure between the posts for Ninh Binh FC. With Nguyen Filip and Dinh Trieu absent this time, Kim Sang Sik’s goalkeeping choice is straightforward.
Defensively, the trio of Hieu Minh, Duy Manh, and Tien Dung appears to be the most optimal setup. Bui Tien Dung is showing strong form at The Cong Viettel, while Duy Manh brings leadership and composure. Youngster Hieu Minh, emerging from the U23 squad, injects energy and flexibility into the defensive line, especially during quick transitions.
In midfield, the partnership of Hoang Duc and Duc Chien is expected to play a key role. Duc Chien’s strength and ball-winning ability complement Hoang Duc’s creativity and passing range.
On the flanks, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh and Tien Anh are likely to operate as wing-backs. Quang Vinh has been impressive on the left with solid defending and attacking contributions, while Tien Anh on the right can link effectively with Hoang Duc to create fluid central-to-wing combinations.
Up front, Vietnam’s attacking trio offers both experience and dynamism. Tuan Hai, Tien Linh, and Dinh Bac are projected to lead the line. Tien Linh remains the top option as a centre-forward with his finishing ability and positional sense. Meanwhile, Tuan Hai’s tireless movement and pressing balance well with Dinh Bac’s youthful pace and flair, providing different attacking dimensions.
With this squad, coach Kim Sang Sik can flexibly switch between a 3-4-3 and a 3-5-2 formation depending on the match situation. Vietnam’s main strengths lie in their short-passing style, midfield control, and exploitation of spaces behind the opponent’s defence. However, the team still needs to improve the fluidity between midfield and attack under the new tactical system.
On the other side, Nepal may lack individual brilliance but compensates with disciplined organization and high fighting spirit. Vietnam must stay alert to their aerial strength and set-piece situations. Maintaining compact defensive spacing and avoiding mistakes in their own half will be crucial.
With home advantage and superior quality, Vietnam is expected to dictate the tempo and push for a dominant win. Yet, the must-win pressure could cause some early tension. If they manage to break the deadlock early, Kim Sang Sik’s men have every chance to claim all three points against Nepal.
Thanh Trang
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