A hundred difficulties

The squad selection puzzle for Vietnam has rarely been as complicated as it is now. As Vietnamese football returns to the AFC Champions League Elite, the excitement comes with consequences, particularly in terms of scheduling and personnel.

With a slot in the continental competition, players from CAHN FC - who play key roles in the national team - are likely to have limited availability during the ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage.

Even in a more favorable scenario, where Vietnam’s representative plays only a play-off match on August 11, the situation remains far from simple. Constantly rotating players in and out could disrupt preparation, making it difficult for Kim Sang Sik to build a stable core squad.

The challenges extend beyond personnel to player fitness. The risks of injury and fatigue are real, and the loss of even one key player could disrupt the entire system.

With this fragile foundation from the group stage, their path deep into the ASEAN Cup becomes increasingly difficult.

Can adversity spark solutions?

In the face of so many obstacles, finding a perfect solution is nearly impossible. Balancing the interests of clubs and the national team remains an unsolved equation, especially when both competitions carry significant weight.

At this point, the most realistic approach may not be optimization, but risk minimization. Vietnam may have to rely heavily on luck - particularly in keeping key players free from injury during this sensitive period. Simply maintaining a relatively intact squad could already be considered an initial success.

At the same time, hopes rest on squad depth. The final rounds of the V-League become a crucial stage for backup players and alternative options to prove themselves. Strong performances could give the coach more flexibility in rotation, easing the burden on core players.

Short tournaments like the ASEAN Cup are often not decided solely by star players, but by those who step up at the right moment. A team with depth and adaptability will always hold an advantage.

“From difficulty comes wisdom” - the saying may not always hold true, but in this situation, Vietnam have little choice but to embrace it.

When having everything is not an option, making the most of what is available becomes essential. And perhaps, in adversity, Kim Sang Sik may uncover a more flexible and resilient version of Vietnam’s national team.

Duy Nguyen