Uncategorized Southeast Asia

2018 AFF Cup – Vietnam vs Malaysia Match Preview

By: , November 16, 2018 8:39 am
Credit – FA Malaysia

With two major South-East Asian nations set to go head to head, we take closer look at each of the teams with analysis from our writers. Football Tribe Vietnam’s Tran Tien and Football Tribe Malaysia’s Aiman Nazirmuddin discuss their nations strengths and chances ahead of this crucial Group A clash.

The Goalkeepers

Vietnam: Dang Van Lam is the best goalkeeper in Vietnam right now. He was in fine form in the opening game against Laos and it will be not a surprise if he continues standing between sticks in the match against Malaysia

Malaysia: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is an experienced player. His outstanding agility, reflexes, consistency and shot-stopping make him one of the best players in his position.

The Defenders

Vietnam: In the 3-4-3 formation, coach Park Hang-Seo prefers to use the defenders who have had the chance to play together before, so Duy Manh and Dinh Trong are likely to start. The other place will be open for competition between Ngoc Hai and Tien Dung. But, after sustaining a slight injury before the Laos match, Tien Dung may still be ruled out.

Malaysia: Our defense has a good mixture of experience and a burning desire to win. Malaysia's defense is headed by Aidil Zafuan, who will pair with Shahrul Saad. While on the sides, they will assisted by Syahmi Safari and Syazwan Andik, who is a fast and creative young player

The Midfielders

Vietnam: In the midfield, Huy Hung will certainly miss the game with his thigh injury. Coach Park Hang-Seo may use Quang Hai and Xuan Truong together in the center of midfield again after their fine form in the opening match. Trong Hoang and Van Hau are likely to start as wingers.

Malaysia: During the meeting with Laos, Tan Cheng Hoe played Akram Mahinan in the midifield, and allowed Syafiq Ahmad to act as an attacking midfielder. For the meeting with Vietnam, Tan Cheng Hoe will likely partner Akram with Syamer Kutty in the middle. Their strength is in their ability to remain calm and regulate the game. Akram is a player who will 'hold the fort,' allowing Syamer to use his creativity and send the ball to the right and left wing.

The Attackers

Vietnam: Anh Duc will be the sole striker for the team in this match. Supporting him will be the creative players like Van Quyet and Cong Phuong. This will be the best choice for Vietnam's attack at the moment, as other strikers haven't show a consistent goalscoring record.

Malaysia: Malaysian strikers are again divided into experience and creativity. Two young, Safawi Rasid and Akyar Rashid, are the hope of the country, and will surely be able to break the opponent's defence. Their energy, combined with the experience of Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Zaquan Adha, Malaysia will surely be able to find a winning goal.

The Coaches

Vietnam: Coach Park Hang-seo's talent has been proven from his excellent guidanc since the AFC U23 Championship. He is good at helping players adapt to different positions, So we may see some surprises from Vietnam's squad in this match.

Malaysia: Tan Cheng Hoe is a versatile manager. He knows to use the advantages that the players have. He is also a manager who likes to take risks to find the winning goal. In addition, he has a modern football mentality.

Predictions

Vietnam: From a draw to a win for Vietnam.

Malaysia: Surely, Malaysia 2 - 0 Vietnam