Vietnam Team: Hoang Duc and Tien Linh carry their U23 juniors

Preparing for the two matches against Nepal in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, coach Kim Sang Sik called up the Vietnamese team list with the participation of many U23 Vietnam players.

The excellent faces who just won the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and got tickets to the 2026 Asian U23 Finals, were completely worthy of being promoted to the national team by the Korean strategist.

Goalkeepers Tran Trung Kien, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Nhat Minh and Dinh Bac are expected to create a new breeze and add more tactical options for coach Kim Sang Sik.

u23 vietnam 1.JPG — Many U23 Vietnam players were called up to the national team. Photo: SN

In fact, against an average opponent like Nepal, the Vietnamese team is still considered to be better even without using their strongest squad. Calling up many U23 players is not only part of the plan to rejuvenate the team, but also a step to prepare for the 33rd SEA Games campaign and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

However, if he puts absolute trust in the young faces, Coach Kim Sang Sik will put the Vietnamese team in a risky situation. That is why the Korean strategist still has to call up a certain number of veterans, even in irreplaceable positions.

In the goalkeeper position, Dang Van Lam's experience and courage are a mental support, helping young goalkeeper Trung Kien learn many things, even during training sessions.

Similarly, seniors like Duy Manh, Cao Quang Vinh, Bui Tien Dung, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Tuan Hai, Tien Linh... are still the backbone and core of the Vietnamese team.

W-tuyen viet nam malaysia 16.jpg — Hoang Duc's role is very important. Photo: Hai Hoang

The Vietnamese team can operate a good style of play, with effectiveness in attack and defense, depending a lot on the performance of these veterans.

Take the specific example of the forward line, where Dinh Bac, Gia Hung or Thanh Nhan are very promising factors, but they are not the best players at the club. Meanwhile, Tuan Hai and Tien Linh both scored goals before joining the national team, which is an affirmation of their class.

Overall, the Vietnamese team brings a new face with nearly 10 U23 players, but coach Kim Sang Sik does not strongly rejuvenate the team, but proceeds step by step, arranging the team in a "comb-like" way to complete many goals in the upcoming 2 matches against Nepal.