Waiting for the performance to pick up
In the first leg at Go Dau Stadium ( Ho Chi Minh City), the Vietnamese team won 3-1 but their performance did not really satisfy experts and fans. Against an opponent considered weaker, the team's attack still had difficulty finishing, while the defense sometimes lacked concentration. Coach Kim Sang-sik frankly acknowledged those limitations and devoted all recent training sessions to overcoming them.
“I want to see the Vietnamese team show more initiative, speed and efficiency in the return match. Nepal is likely to continue to defend in large numbers, so we need to coordinate quickly, move flexibly and finish decisively,” coach Kim Sang-sik said at a press conference before the match.
Home advantage and better physical condition will help the Vietnamese team to impose their playing style from the start. The Korean coach is expected to make some adjustments to the starting lineup to refresh the playing style and create opportunities for young players to show their ability.
Faces like Xuan Bac, Thanh Nhan, Dinh Bac or Hieu Minh – who have impressed in the U23 team – can be brought onto the field to increase pressure and attack intensity. In the goalkeeper position, Trung Kien is capable of replacing his senior Dang Van Lam, while the central midfielder pair Hoang Duc – Hai Long continue to be the “heart” of the tactical diagram.
The team also spent time practicing set pieces – which can create breakthroughs against Nepal’s deep-lying defence. The team’s aim was to control the game, maintain constant pressure and win convincingly both in terms of score and style of play.
Perfect your gameplay, create momentum for big goals
According to experts, the Vietnamese team is in a generational transition phase, with a combination of experienced players and a young, ambitious generation. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang Sik, the red team is gradually shaping a more modern playing style - focusing on ball control, high pressing and organizing quick counter-attacks.
Coach Kim Sang-sik once affirmed that he wanted to build a team that was “organized, energetic and flexible in operation”. Recent adjustments show that the Korean coach has begun to make his own mark, although he has not really exploded.
Football expert Tran Anh Tu commented: “After the first leg, the important thing is that the team has seen where they need to change. I think coach Kim Sang-sik is on the right track by boldly giving opportunities to young players. That is the way to both ensure current achievements and create a foundation for the future. As long as they maintain discipline and ambition, the Vietnamese team can absolutely play proactively and win big against Nepal.”
Diversity in attacking options is also something to look forward to. In addition to the familiar central combinations, the team is focusing on improving their ability to attack the flanks and finish outside the penalty area. The ability of Hoang Duc, Hai Long, Van Khang or Dinh Bac to flexibly switch positions makes the gameplay more unpredictable.
Fans' expectations for Thong Nhat Stadium are not only for 3 points, but also for a convincing performance, bringing confidence for the journey towards the 2027 Asian Cup. After a period of initial confusion, the Vietnamese team is showing positive signs in ball control and off-ball movement - two core elements in coach Kim Sang-sik's philosophy.
Coach Kiatisak, who has been involved with Vietnamese football for many years, is optimistic: “As soon as they are “warmed up”, the Vietnamese team can create a real earthquake at Thong Nhat Stadium. I believe the Vietnamese team will beat Nepal, even win 5-0. The 3-1 victory in the first leg is just a draft for a team that is gradually improving.”
According to coach Kiatisak, the Vietnamese team has now begun to show clear tactical signs, especially in the ability to control the midfield and press high. Although the finishing still needs improvement, it is only a matter of time as the players gradually adapt to the new tactics. “I see the shadow of a team that knows how to control the game and choose the right time to attack. Kim Sang Sik is building a disciplined, modern team, and he needs to be more bold in using young players,” Kiatisak added.
Sharing the same view, many domestic experts believe that the return match with Nepal is an important “test” to verify the smoothness of the playing style. If the Vietnamese team continues to show good connection between the lines and improve the finishing, the Vietnamese team can absolutely win beautifully, thereby strengthening the confidence of fans before major tournaments such as the AFF Cup or the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Against a not-so-strong opponent, what fans expect most is a dedicated attacking spirit, a strong, united and confident image of the Vietnamese team. A resounding victory will not only help coach Kim Sang Sik and his team affirm their position, but also open up hope for the return of “Vietnamese identity” – a team that dares to attack, dares to win with its own ability.
Score prediction: Vietnam 3-0 Nepal
The match takes place at 7:30 p.m. on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City).
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/tuyen-viet-nam-huong-toi-chien-thang-thuyet-phuc-truoc-nepal-719553.html
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