Binh Duong: Vietnamese striker Nguyen Tien Linh is hoping to score, while his coach Kim Sang-sik expects a big win over Laos in their first match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers’ third round on March 25 in Binh Duong province. Vietnam and Laos are in Group F with Nepal and Malaysia. The host side are aiming for the group’s top spot to qualify for the finals, which will be held in Saudi Arabia.
According to Lao News Agency, Linh expressed confidence in a pre-match press conference, stating, “We have been preparing carefully for the match in both terms of physique and mentality. The match will not be easy, but we will try our best for a decisive win and make our supporters happy.” Vietnam stands to do well, as in the national team’s last 14 matches, the ASEAN Cup champion were unbeatable, recording 13 wins and one draw. In their latest game, Vietnam won 4-1 in the 2024 ASEAN Cup qualification match, with Linh scoring one goal.
In the FIFA rankings, there is a considerable gap between the two sides, with Vietnam at No. 114 and Laos at No. 186. Linh, the local league’s top scorer this season with 10 goals, has recently returned to form after recovering from a knee injury. He netted a goal in Vietnam’s 2-1 friendly win over Cambodia on March 19. Linh shared, “I have totally recovered and am in the best physical condition. For this game, our recent ASEAN Cup win has made us more confident. Personally, playing on my home club’s field is also my motivation.”
Coach Kim has placed his trust in Linh to replace injured striker Nguyen Xuan Son on the front line. Kim emphasized the importance of a substantial victory to gain a goal differential advantage against other group rivals. “The first match of this last qualification round will play an important role in Vietnam’s campaign,” said Kim, “We will play on home ground and will be prepared.”
Despite expressing respect for Laos’ naturalised players, Coach Kim remains focused on Vietnam’s strategy. Laos’s coach Ha Hyeok Jun, also from Korea, acknowledged the disparity in team levels but praised Linh’s talent. Laos is preparing by holding a friendly match with Sri Lanka, albeit with a 1-2 loss. Coach Ha plans to strengthen his team by encouraging Lao players to compete internationally.
The highly anticipated match will commence at 7.30pm at the Goo Dau Stadium, with live broadcasts available on VTV and FPT.