Hanoi, 26 March 2026 – Coach Kim Sang Sik has admitted that he must find alternative solutions in case the Vietnam national team is forced to play without both Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Hoang Duc at the same time.
Both midfielders started in Vietnam’s 3–0 win over Bangladesh in a friendly at Hang Day Stadium on March 26. Quang Hai provided an assist from a set piece for Pham Xuan Manh’s goal in the 18th minute, while Pham Tuan Hai opened the scoring early and Nguyen Hai Long sealed the result. Operating as central midfielders in a 3-4-3 formation, Quang Hai and Hoang Duc helped Vietnam dominate possession and control the midfield, even against Hamza Choudhury, a player with experience in the English Premier League and Championship.
However, after both players were substituted in the second half, Vietnam struggled to maintain structure. With only Le Pham Thanh Long as a natural central midfielder, the team lost control of the middle and relied more on counterattacks and individual efforts.
“I haven’t found a solution yet if we are without both Quang Hai and Hoang Duc,” coach Kim admitted. “My staff and I need to work on adjustments in case both are unavailable.”
Despite Bangladesh being ranked 181st in the FIFA rankings—78 places below Vietnam—the hosts still created numerous chances and could have won by a larger margin if not for missed opportunities and shots hitting the woodwork.
Coach Kim explained that tactics were not the sole focus of the match, as the staff also wanted to assess players’ physical condition after the V.League schedule. He made multiple substitutions in the second half, introducing Nguyen Xuan Son, Doan Van Hau, and Le Pham Thanh Long, followed later by Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Khuat Van Khang, and Pham Gia Hung.
Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son missed several chances, and Kim noted that the coaching staff would review his physical condition after his recent injury, expressing confidence that he will regain form soon.
Meanwhile, Do Hoang Hen played the full match and impressed with his versatility, being tested in multiple roles across the attack and midfield, though he was unlucky not to score after hitting the post late on. Kim revealed that Hoang Hen could become a key player capable of making a difference against Malaysia.
Defender Doan Van Hau also made his return to the national team after nearly three years out due to injury. He was deployed at left-back and left center-back, with the coaching staff carefully managing his fitness ahead of the Malaysia clash.
Vietnam will continue training in Hanoi until March 29 before traveling to Ninh Binh to prepare for their decisive Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia on March 31.
Leave a Reply