Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Hoang Duc started in Vietnam’s 3-0 friendly win against Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium on 26/3. Quang Hai assisted the second goal in the 18th minute, delivering a right-wing free-kick into the box for Pham Xuan Manh to head home. Earlier, Pham Tuan Hai opened the scoring in the 8th minute, and Nguyen Hai Long sealed the victory in the 38th minute.

Quang Hai and Hoang Duc played as central midfielders in a 3-4-3 formation. In the first half, the duo helped Vietnam control possession and the midfield effectively, even against Hamza Choudhury, a midfielder with years of experience in the English Premier League and Championship with Leicester City. In the second half, Duc and Hai were substituted. Vietnam then had only one true central midfielder, Le Pham Thanh Long, and the team's performance became disjointed. Midfield control was lost, and the team created opportunities primarily through counter-attacks or individual efforts.

Nguyen Hoang Duc (red jersey) plays in Vietnam’s 3-0 friendly win against Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi on 26/3/2026. Photo: Hieu Luong

"I haven’t figured out a way if both Quang Hai and Hoang Duc are missing," Coach Kim Sang-sik stated. "My colleagues and I need to think more to adjust if this duo is unavailable."

Bangladesh was considered the underdog against Vietnam, ranking 181st in FIFA and 78 spots lower. Vietnam did not completely dominate but still created numerous chances, especially in the first half and late in the second. Had the strikers been more accurate or if the crossbar and posts had not intervened, the score could have been at least 5-0.

"The tactics in this match were only one part; the main goal was to check the players' physical condition after their V-League season," Coach Kim explained. "Through substitutions, I used many different positions, calculated how to maintain fitness, and helped each player reach peak form for the match against Malaysia."

At the start of the second half, Coach Kim successively brought in Nguyen Xuan Son, Doan Van Hau, and Le Pham Thanh Long, replacing Van Vi, Hoang Duc, and Quang Hai. In the 63rd minute, Do Duy Manh and Pham Tuan Hai were substituted by Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Khuat Van Khang. Towards the end of the match, Pham Gia Hung came on for Truong Tien Anh.

Coach Kim Sang-sik observes the Vietnamese players during their match against Bangladesh. Photo: Hieu Luong

Brazilian-born naturalized striker Xuan Son missed at least three opportunities in the match. When asked if his weight gain affected his performance, Coach Kim Sang-sik said he needed to re-evaluate the issue. He noted that Son had just recovered from a thigh injury, which might explain his limited movement. "He will regain his best physical condition and is one to watch in the next match, thanks to his wide range of activity and good coordination," Coach Kim added.

Meanwhile, another naturalized player, Do Hoang Hen, played the entire match but was unfortunate to hit the post with a shot late in the game. He was also tested in multiple positions during the match, playing as a center forward, winger, and central midfielder.

"I spoke with Hen before the match about whether he could play if his position changed. Hen agreed, saying he was fine," Coach Kim Sang-sik revealed. "We will find the best position for him, and he will be a factor that can create breakthroughs against Malaysia."

Doan Van Hau also made his debut under Coach Kim, marking his return to the national team after a 2-year 9-month absence due to injury. He played as a left-back and then as a left-sided center-back. Explaining this, Coach Kim said: "We need to adjust Hau's fitness, playing style, and control his minutes to ensure he can perform optimally against Malaysia. Hau might be deployed as a left-sided center-back in the next match."

Following this match, Vietnam will continue training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center in Hanoi until the end of 29/3. A day later, the team will travel to Ninh Binh to prepare for their match against Malaysia in the final round of Group F of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on 31/3.

Hieu Luong