The Vietnam National Football Team is set to kick off its international friendly against Cambodia this evening at Go Dau Stadium in Binh Duong. Scheduled for 19:30, the match marks Coach Kim Sang-sik's first game since leading the team to victory in the 2024 AFF Cup. The friendly is not just a formality; it's a crucial test for the coach to evaluate his squad's quality ahead of the grueling Asian Cup qualifiers.
In this lineup, Coach Kim Sang-sik is expected to field a familiar team, capitalizing on the strong chemistry built during their successful AFF Cup campaign. Among the players taking the field will be the core stalwarts such as Duy Manh, who will likely play as a right center-back, and Tiến Linh, who will step up as the team's focal point in attack. This strategy aims to maintain the momentum gained from their recent triumph.
The team will also see some fresh faces, with Minh Khoa and Lý Đức joining the ranks. These newcomers represent the team's efforts to blend youth with experience, enhancing their depth as they prepare for competitive international games.
The match serves as a vital opportunity for Coach Kim to assess how well his players have adapted and what adjustments may be needed going forward. As the squad gears up, the coach has hinted at potential changes before the match, stating, "This is an important opportunity for the coach to assess the quality of the players." It points to how competitive this environment can be, as performance in this friendly might dictate future selections.
Expected to take the starting role in goal is Nguyễn Văn Việt, favored for his experience and strong performances in league play. Supporting him will be a solid backline that includes Duy Manh on the right, Thành Chung managing the central space, and Tien Dung taking the left. The coach's confidence in this trio reflects their proven track record together.
On the flanks, Văn Khang is anticipated to make his mark at left-back as he is given the opportunity to impress from the start, with Văn Vĩ ready to come on in the second half. Meanwhile, Văn Thanh is set to solidify the right back position, contributing both in defense and during transitions to attack.
The central midfield duo will remain unchanged, with the familiar partnership of Hoàng Đức and Ngọc Tân controlling the midfield dynamic and looking to facilitate offensive opportunities as needed.
With Tien Linh leading the attacking line, he’ll be flanked by Vĩ Hào on the left and Ngọc Quang on the right, rounding out a forward line that balances skill with tactical awareness. This offensive setup has been honed in training and aims to capitalize on the opposition’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Following the friendly against Cambodia, the Vietnam National Team will have an important fixture against Laos on March 25 as part of their journey to the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The team will also tackle matches against Malaysia on June 10, 2025, and Nepal on October 9, 2025. This early preparation phase is critical as the players aim to secure their positions and contribute to the team's success on a larger stage.
The friendly match against Cambodia is thus not only a contest for victory but also a significant indicator of the team's readiness for the challenges that lie ahead. Fans are eager to see how the blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent will forge the path for Vietnam's future in international football.
