Even if Malaysia are handed a 0-3 defeat by the Asian Football Confederation in the first leg, Vietnam’s national team remain determined to secure a convincing victory when the two sides meet again in the final match of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifying round.

Although a few familiar faces are absent, Vietnam generally boast a strong lineup, arguably the most formidable squad assembled under coach Kim Sang Sik.

In addition to the return of leading striker Nguyen Xuan Son, Kim Sang Sik has also welcomed two newly naturalized players making their first appearances in the national team: goalkeeper Patrick Le Giang and Do Hoang Hen.

As a result, all three lines of the team now feature quality naturalized players. Left-back Cao Quang Vinh is another notable addition, and all of them could potentially start in the upcoming match against Malaysia.

Vietnam have also been boosted by the return of Doan Van Hau and Tran Dinh Trong, both key players during the era of former coach Park Hang Seo.

Dinh Trong has often been described as a “foreign striker hunter”, while Van Hau is expected to give the team a new dimension of physical strength and efficiency in play.

Van Hau himself can make a difference with powerful long-range shots and dangerous set pieces.

The return of Bui Hoang Viet Anh is also important. Together with experienced defenders such as Do Duy Manh and Nguyen Thanh Chung, he forms a solid defensive line with strong physical presence and aerial ability.

Experts believe this could be the strongest squad assembled under Kim Sang Sik so far.

In fact, the South Korean coach may face a difficult decision in selecting the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Malaysia.

With many players currently in good form and eager to prove themselves, Vietnam approach the rematch with confidence and determination.

Regardless of any AFC decision regarding Malaysia following allegations of falsified documents involving seven naturalized players, Kim Sang Sik’s side remain focused on achieving the highest possible result on March 31.

They are not only aiming to win, but also to win convincingly and settle the score with their regional rivals.

However, one challenge for Vietnam lies in the integration of new players.

Hoang Hen, for instance, needed several rounds before finding stable form at Hanoi FC. The same adjustment period may also apply to Patrick Le Giang and other newcomers.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Xuan Son has yet to fully return to his peak form. Van Hau also requires more time to regain full fitness, while questions remain over whether Dinh Trong will fit smoothly into a defensive lineup that emphasizes physical strength.

These personnel questions are expected to be tested in a friendly match against Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium on March 26.

The lessons learned from that game, both positive and negative, will provide the foundation for Kim Sang Sik as he prepares his team for the decisive clash against Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium on March 31.

Ticket prices announced for Vietnam vs Bangladesh

The Vietnam Football Federation has announced ticket prices for the friendly match between Vietnam and Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium at 7 p.m. on March 26.

Tickets will be available in two categories: VND200,000 (US$8) and VND300,000 (US$12).

They will be sold via the OneU application from 3 p.m. on March 12 until the end of March 19.

Dai Nam