Football

Vietnamese striker Nguyễn Xuân Son (centre) in action during Việt Nam vs Laos in the Asian Cup 2026 qualifier on November 19 in Vientiane. Việt Nam win 2-0. Photo courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam may have taken care of the scoreline with a 2-0 win over Laos but the performance suggested the job is far from done as they continued their push in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round's Group F at Lao National Stadium KM16 on November 19.

Nguyễn Xuân Son, returning to action for Việt Nam for the first time since January, and Phạm Tuấn Hải scored in the second half to take their team to three points behind group leader Malaysia with the sides to meet next March to decide the group winners.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Việt Nam's head coach Kim Sang-sik admitted his side still had issues to iron out and needed to address them in the upcoming summons.

Playing away from home, Việt Nam dominated possession and controlled more than two thirds of the match, creating a number of threatening chances but still struggling to find Laos' net.

Son finally broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 68th minute while Hải added a second in added time.

"We analysed Laos very carefully, but there is a clear gap from training to actual competition. Việt Nam will have to improve performance further in the future," said Kim.

“(In this match) we tried to test a new formation, using midfielders Nguyên Hoàng Đức and Nguyễn Quang Hải in the same time to strengthen our attacking ability. However this tactic didn't work as well as expected. We need time to make it smooth."

He added that Laos showed good organisation and strong spirit, with their resilient defenders causing plenty of problems for Việt Nam's forwards.

Vietnamese players celebrate their goals in a 2-0 against Laos. — Photo courtesy of VFF

Kim said securing three points was the main thing, rounding off the year on a positive note for Việt Nam.

He praised his players for their efforts and thanked Vietnamese supporters for backing the team throughout the year, with this fixture marking the national side’s final outing in a demanding 2025.

Speaking after the match, Son was still buzzing from both the win and his goal.

“We had a poor beginning and could not manage the ball as well as expected. But we worked hard for a win," said Son.

"Personally, a goal for me after nearly one year off due to injury was wonderful. Đức and Hải asked me if I wanted the penalty. They let me get my first goal in a year. I really appreciate it. My comeback and goal were thanks to assists from our coaching board, teammates and also people's support."

Host coach Ha Hyeok Jun said the scoreline showed not only the gap between the sides but also offered Laos a valuable lesson in preparation.

"We prepared carefully, discussing all plans that Việt Nam could have including their tactics of using three or four defenders alternatively or changing their tactics during the game. However, this defeat is still due to the shortage of preparation," said Ha.

"My players tried their best, strictly following our instructions but it seemed they haven't reached my expectation.”

Việt Nam's victory lifted them one place to 110 in the latest world ranking.

It positioned Kim and his players at No. 20 in Asia and No. 2 in Southeast Asia.

The win over Laos has not yet been counted so Việt Nam are expected to rise further in FIFA’s next announcement. VNS