Having already secured a spot in the Asian Cup 2027, the Vietnam national team approaches this friendly against Bangladesh with a relaxed mindset. This provides an opportunity for coach Kim Sang-sik to test his squad and evaluate new talent. He expressed confidence in the team's progress, highlighting the return of defenders Tran Dinh Trong and Doan Van Hau after injuries, and the inclusion of naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen, all contributing to a stronger lineup.

Coach Kim Sang-sik (right) chats with Tran Dinh Trong during a pre-match training session. Photo: Hieu Luong

A key focus of the match will be the potential synergy between Do Hoang Hen and Nguyen Xuan Son. These two attacking players previously formed an effective partnership for Nam Dinh club, leading them to the V-League 2023-2024 championship. Coach Kim anticipates that Hoang Hen's presence will not only bolster the team's attacking options but also allow for more flexible tactical arrangements in the forward line.

In contrast, Bangladesh, ranked 181st in FIFA, is considered the underdog, having been eliminated from Asian Cup contention. Despite this, the visiting team features several notable players, including Hamza Choudhury, who previously played in the English premier league, and other mixed-heritage talents. This friendly is a crucial warm-up for Vietnam before their final Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Malaysia on 31/1 at Thien Truong Stadium.

Quang Dung - Hieu Luong - Hoang An