The Vietnam national football team kicked off their journey in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with an emphatic victory, defeating Laos 5-0 at Go Dau Stadium on March 25, 2025. This commanding win showcased a vastly improved performance compared to their recent friendly match against Cambodia, where they struggled for cohesion.
From the onset of the match, the Vietnamese team established their dominance, controlling the ball and applying pressure on the Laotian defenders. Minh Khoa signaled Vietnam's intention early by attempting a shot in the 6th minute, which went just wide of the post. However, the breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Chau Ngoc Quang capitalized on a defensive mistake by Laos, finding the net with a simple finish to give Vietnam a well-deserved lead.
Following opening goal, Vietnam continued to exert pressure on the Laotian defense, which promptly retreated into a defensive shell, struggling to mount any counterattacks. The midfield orchestrated by Hoang Duc and the attacking prowess of Tiến Linh and Hai Long created numerous opportunities. Laos's goalkeeper, Lokphathip, had a busy day, repeatedly thwarting Vietnam's advances.
The Vietnam side didn't relent; they doubled their lead just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Hai Long unleashed a powerful shot that struck the crossbar, only for Van Vi to react quickly, scoring with a header from the rebound to make it 2-0. By the break, Vietnam had enjoyed about 75% of the possession and had made 9 drives at goal, while Laos mustered just 2 attempts.
The second half began with Vietnam asserting their continued dominance. Van Vi further showcased his skill by dribbling past defenders and netting his second goal of the match in the 50th minute. This pushed the score to 3-0, and Laos showed signs of fatigue, unable to keep pace with Vietnam's aggressive play.
In the 63rd minute, Hai Long added his name to the scoresheet with a deft left-footed shot, pushing the score further to 4-0. As the match approached its conclusion, the Vietnamese team kept the pressure high, demonstrating their fitness and intensity. In the 84th minute, a well-coordinated effort between Hoang Duc and Quang Hai resulted in a stunning volley from Quang Hai, sealing the score at 5-0.
This victory marks an auspicious start for Vietnam in the Asian Cup qualifying campaign under head coach Kim Sang-sik. The team aims to continue this successful momentum as they progress towards the next rounds. The win not only reflects Vietnam's attacking prowess but also their ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, a critical component of their strategy moving forward.
Overall, the match was a reminder of Vietnam's potential in the international football arena, providing fans with a source of pride and expectation for the future. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, the team and supporters alike remain hopeful for continued success in the ongoing qualifiers.
