Speaking at a pre-match press conference on June 9, Kim described the upcoming game as critical and acknowledged the pressure of playing away. He emphasized that the Vietnamese squad must leverage its strengths and maintain a strong collective spirit to have any chance of earning a result against a formidable Malaysian side.

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Head coach Kim Sang-sik of Vietnam's national team (Photo: VOV)

One of the challenges, Kim noted, lies in analyzing Malaysia’s newly reshaped squad, which includes several naturalized players. With limited scouting data available, preparing a tactical plan becomes more complex. However, the Korean coach affirmed that the Vietnamese team is in a positive mindset and will make the best possible preparations heading into the match.

When asked to predict the outcome of the game, Vietnam captain Duy Manh refrained from giving a definitive answer, instead stressing the importance of maintaining full concentration and focus throughout the match.

Vietnam will face host Malaysia at 8p.m. on June 10 at Bukit Jalil Stadium, a venue often dubbed the “cauldron” of Southeast Asian football due to its intense atmosphere.

In the third round of Asian Cup 2027 qualification, running from March 25, 2025 to March 31, 2026, Vietnam were drawn into Group F alongside Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos. The format features 24 teams divided into six groups of four, playing a double round-robin in home-and-away fixtures. Only the group winners will qualify for the finale in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

Source: VNA