Southeast Asia Vietnam

2018 AFF Cup Final – Opponent Views on Vietnam

By: , December 10, 2018 8:45 pm
Credit – affsuzukicup.com

As Vietnam prepare for their first AFF Cup final in a decade, take a look at what their rivals think of them:

Aiman Nazirmuddin (Football Tribe Malaysia)

Strengths: The biggest strength of 'Golden Dragons' is their young players, who are highly energetic and have a great desire to win. Half of their players are from the Vietnam U-23 team who finished as runners-up at the 2018 AFC U-23 Championships in China early this year. In addition, Vietnam is also fast in attack. They endure much, but when the ball is at their feet, they will attack with everything. They will use their clever wingers to deceive the opponent.

Weaknesses: The biggest challenge for Vietnam is when it comes to playing infront of 80,000 home fans. It is reported that home supporters will fill every seat in the stadium. They will also be led by Ultras Malaya, who will sing from the first minute until the last minute. Additionally, Vietnam, whose side is filled with many young players, would not have had experience at this level before. These young man will certainly look nervous and scared. But they are professional players, they must be able to deal with this calmly.

Player To Watch: Ahn Duc and Cong Phuong

Obb Deewajin (Football Tribe Thailand)

Strengths: Vietnam's strength is their game management, and the fact that their tactical setup suits playing against a possession-based team such as Malaysia. The 'Golden Dragons' looked convincing against the Philippines. They were not too fancy, but they were able to get the job done, which is a sign of a strong side. Nguyen Cong Phuong was rested for the most part of the 2nd leg and will be fresh for the game - a big advantage for the visitors. Park Hang Seo will probably stick with his pragmatic approach, sitting deep and hitting back on the counter-attack. Therefore, Nguyen Quang Hai's directness and Phan Van Duc's pace will be a massive element in Tuesday's game.

Weaknesses: Vietnam weaknesses are perhaps not about what they do currently, but more about what they didn't do. You see, Park Hang Seo's boys beat Malaysia comfortably at home in the group stage. And it would be perfectly fine and acceptable if Vietnam were to head into the final with the same tactics. However, since that last match, Malaysia's squad has grown with the tournament. They now field Farizal Marlias, a sweeper-keeper, which could theoretically can cancel out Vietnam's counter-attacks which target the space behind Malaysia's defence. With this in mind, what does Park Hang Seo do? Does he stick with the same plan and risk getting caught out? Or does he overcomplicate things and make blindfolded changes? This is a massive dilemma that only the Korean coach will have the answer to.

Player To Watch: Nguyen Quang Hai - The attacking midfielder's direct style of play will be crucial when hitting Malaysia on the counter-attack.

Steven Danis (Football Tribe Indonesia)

Strengths: Under Park Hang-seo Vietnam have a bunch of good young players and may have a bright future for the next years in South-East Asian football. After the elimination of the reigning Champions, they may become the favorites to winning the 2018 AFF Cup trophy. They look strong, having not conceded any goals on the group stage - and their victory in both of the semi-final games against the Philippines shows they are capable of playing anywhere. They may be able to steal an away goal, making the task easier for them to play the second leg at home.

Weaknesses: Even though Vietnam already beat Malaysia earlier on in this tournament, their style and approach could be worrying, It dangerous because Malaysia likes to score in the last 15 minutes, and it would require them to keep their concentration. If Malaysia score a precious away goal like they did against Thailand, Vietnam could be in serious trouble.

Player To Watch: Luong Xuan Truong

Gian Chansrichawla (Football Tribe SEA Editor)

Strengths: Park Hang-Seo has shown time and time again that he is able to grind out results. The coach's vast experience - including a spell as Guus Hiddink's assistant for the South Korean national team - will serve him well in this match. After taking both his home country and current side to the semi-finals of the Asian Games, coach Park will be looking to finally add a piece of silverware to top off his magnificent achievements. The side's earlier victory against Malaysia is also likely to give them massive confidence going into tomorrow's match.

Weaknesses: Vietnam only had 31% possession on their own patch against Malaysia in their Group B match earlier in the tournament. While pragmatic tactics have worked for the side so far, there is always a risk that one slip in concentration could offer their opponents a route to goal. The side are comfortable being on the back foot, but that could come back to haunt them in such a high-stakes environment.

Player To Watch: Do Duy Manh - The center-back has been a fixture in a heavily rotated lineup this campaign. He is coming in off a very successful season with his club side Hanoi FC, and his stock could rise even further if he were to put in a game-changing performance in the final

 

You can read the view of Football Tribe Vietnam writer Tran Tien here.