Two recent friendly matches for the Vietnam national team ended with concerning results. Consecutive losses against Russia 0-3 and Thailand 1-2 highlight the significant challenges the team faces ahead of the 2024 AFF Cup and 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Big Goal: Asian Cup 2027
The AFF Cup has long been considered the “backyard playground” of Southeast Asian football. The Vietnam national team has won this tournament twice. However, the larger goal that Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team aim for is securing a spot in the prestigious 2027 Asian Cup.
Qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup will begin next March. Twenty-four teams from across Asia will be divided into six groups, with each group’s top team advancing to the main tournament in Saudi Arabia. Vietnam will face tough competition from rivals like Thailand, Malaysia, Syria, and Tajikistan.
Significant Challenges Ahead
Vietnam’s continuous drop in the FIFA rankings (currently 117th in the world) will directly impact their seeding in the upcoming Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. If unlucky, we could end up in a tough group with Thailand, Tajikistan, or Syria.
Regional rivals such as Malaysia and the Philippines are also making notable progress. Under Spanish coach Pau Marti Vicente, the Malaysian team has shown positive changes. Meanwhile, the Philippines boasts seven players currently competing in the Thai League 1, bringing valuable experience to the squad.
Changes Needed for Progress
The performances in the recent friendly matches reveal several weaknesses that need addressing. Individual errors and lack of consistency in play are issues that must be resolved quickly.
Coach Kim Sang-sik and the players need to push themselves harder to prepare for the upcoming challenges. The 2024 AFF Cup offers an opportunity to regain confidence, but the ultimate goal remains securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup.
Conclusion
The Vietnam national team faces significant challenges. To achieve the big goal of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup, the team needs substantial improvements in both tactics and mental approach. Time is running out, and every match until the end of the year will be an opportunity to prove their mettle.
