The result not only sealed six wins from six in Group F, but also lifted Vietnam five places to 98th in the world with 1,225.67 points, marking a significant milestone in their recent resurgence.

A fast start set the tone

At Thien Truong Stadium, Vietnam imposed themselves almost immediately.

Just seven minutes in, captain Duy Manh rose highest from a set piece to head home the opener, giving the hosts early control of the match.

From that moment, the tempo and structure of the game reflected a clear gap in quality. Malaysia, already weakened and eliminated following disciplinary sanctions, struggled to cope with Vietnam’s intensity and organisation.

Dominance defined the second half

If the first half showed control, the second half brought decisiveness.

Striker Nguyen Xuan Son emerged as the standout figure, scoring twice in quick succession with powerful headers in the 53rd and 60th minutes. His aerial ability proved a constant threat, turning well-delivered crosses into goals with clinical precision.

The 3-0 lead effectively ended the contest, although Malaysia managed a late consolation from the penalty spot.

Yet even in victory, there was a sense that Vietnam could have done more. Several clear chances went unfinished, and a slight drop in intensity after taking a comfortable lead allowed the visitors brief moments of relief.

A perfect campaign, a historic run

Despite minor imperfections, the broader achievement is undeniable.

Vietnam finished the qualifiers with a 100% record - the first time in history the national team has won every match in an Asian-level qualifying campaign.

Beyond that, the team is now on a 13-match winning streak, a record unmatched in Southeast Asia. Previous regional benchmarks, held by Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, stood at nine consecutive wins.

Under head coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam have also extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches, reflecting a level of consistency rarely seen before.

Tactical cohesion and emerging partnerships

One of the defining features of this campaign has been the growing chemistry within the squad.

The partnership between Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen stood out against Malaysia, combining movement, timing and technical quality. Their understanding, built at club level, has translated effectively onto the international stage.

Supporting figures such as Quang Hai and Hoang Duc provided balance and creativity, while the defensive unit maintained overall solidity despite the late penalty concession.

Speaking after the match, Kim Sang Sik highlighted both the collective effort and individual contributions, describing the performance as one of the most satisfying since his appointment.

Recognition beyond the region

Vietnam’s performance has not gone unnoticed internationally.

Even FIFA’s official platforms drew attention to the match, celebrating the standout contributions of Duy Manh, Xuan Son and Hoang Hen in a playful yet telling acknowledgment of the team’s impact.

Regional observers echoed the sentiment. Indonesian media described Vietnam as “dominant” and highlighted the team’s control from the opening minutes, as well as the decisive influence of Xuan Son in the second half.

Looking ahead with momentum

The return to the FIFA top 100 carries more than symbolic value. It improves Vietnam’s seeding position for the Asian Cup 2027 finals, potentially easing their path in the tournament.

At the same time, the campaign offers both confidence and caution.

Vietnam have demonstrated clear superiority in their group and built a remarkable winning rhythm. Yet matches like this also reveal areas for refinement - sharper finishing, sustained intensity and greater ruthlessness against weaker opponents.

Still, the direction is clear.

With a stable system, a confident squad and a coach who has quickly made his mark, Vietnam are not just winning - they are building a foundation for deeper ambitions on the continental stage.

Thien Binh - Ngoc Huy - Dai Nam