On the new Laos National Stadium, Coach Kim Sang-sik deployed an attacking starting lineup, with two creative midfielders, Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Hoang Duc, both starting. The formation could switch between 3-4-3 and 4-3-3, with Nguyen Tien Linh as the main striker.

However, the team was largely stagnant in the first half. The team created two scoring opportunities inside the box, but Tien Linh shot over the bar, and Hoang Duc failed to beat the Laos goalkeeper.

Coach Kim Sang-sik at the press conference before Vietnam's match against Laos in the fifth round of Group F of the Asian Cup 2027 final qualifiers. *Photo: DH.*

"Our experiment was unsuccessful. With the new formation, I wanted to increase our attacking capability and circulate the ball faster," Coach Kim Sang-sik said at the post-match press conference. "However, the performance was not as good as expected and needs more time to improve."

At the start of the second half, Coach Kim made 4 changes. Tien Linh, Nguyen Van Vi, Le Van Do, and Le Pham Thanh Long left the field, replaced by naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, Pham Tuan Hai, Pham Gia Hung, and Nguyen Hai Long. The attacking power immediately improved.

In the 60th minute, Xuan Son set up Pham Tuan Hai, whose shot hit the crossbar. Eight minutes later, Vietnam was awarded a penalty when Phetdavanh handled Tuan Hai's cross near the byline, allowing Xuan Son to open the scoring. In the third minute of added time, a mistake by goalkeeper Anoulak allowed Tuan Hai to convert a spectacular overhead kick into an empty net, securing the 2-0 victory.

Coach Kim affirmed that they had thoroughly analyzed Laos, including their deep, mass defense. The coaching staff had devised solutions, but there was a gap between training and actual match play.

"Laos' defense played well, but we still achieved our goal of scoring and winning," said the coach born in 1976. "This match concludes the team's 2025 season. I thank the players for their efforts and the fans for their support."

In the final qualifiers, Vietnam is currently second in Group F with 12 points and a goal difference of +6. Malaysia leads with 15 points and a +14 goal difference. The two teams will face off on 31/3/2026 at Vietnam's home stadium. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team must win by a five-goal margin to hope to claim the top spot, having lost 0-4 in the first leg. The tournament uses head-to-head goal difference as a tie-breaker after points.

In 2025, Vietnam only lost to Malaysia. The team won 8 matches: against Thailand 2-1 and 3-2 (ASEAN Cup 2024 final), Cambodia 2-1 (friendly), Laos 5-0 and 2-0, Nepal 3-1 and 1-0 (Asian Cup 2027 final qualifiers).

Hieu Luong