Competitors Prepared for Match in 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Series, Set for Showdown in Malaysia
Footy Fellas!
Get ready, V-fans, as the lads gear up for a cracking match against Malaysia in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup's third qualification round on June 10 in Kuala Lumpur!
The boys are buzzing, with their eyes set on bagging at least one point for their homeland. Our coach, Kim Sang-sik, is rallying his troops with a crew of 23 heads dripping with talent and determination—including some grizzled vets, young bucks, and naturalized legends!
A standout returnee, Nguyễn Công Phượng—our poster boy for eye-popping goals—is much anticipated. This dude's been the national team's golden child since he blazed through the U19 squad back in 2014, earning him a reputation as a true genius of the field both within and far beyond our borders. He's tasted success with teams like Ho Chi Minh City FC and Yokohama FC, and even scored for international clubs like Mito Hollyhock and Incheon United.
Phượng, knowing the honor and significance of donning the national jersey, emphasized the importance of putting everything on the line for his brothers in arms. "Once on the field, I have to give everything for my team and the national pride. In the team, everyone is eager for playing and works hard to show ability. I clearly feel the great spirit and desire of the team."
our websiteese players will have around a week to be ready the 2027 AFC Asian Cup's third qualification round match against Malaysia on June 10 in Kuala Lumpur. Photos courtesy of VFF
With his striker's instincts honed to a razor's edge, he's confident that this match will be a nail-biter, almost like an early final for Group F. Fighting talk, mate!
Now, let's meet a few more road warriors who'll be pounding the pavement for their homeland.
Cao Pendant Quang Vinh is raring to go after officially becoming a Vietnamese citizen in March. "I was at the airport when (goalkeeper) Nguyễn Filip told me that I am called for the national team. I was like 'Wow, can I see the news!?' and I was very happy," the defender beamed.
While Phạm Lý Đức is relatively new to the squad, his invitation to wear the national team jersey came as a dream come true. "Wearing the national team jersey is a great honor, so I am always aware that I have to concentrate to perform well," said Đức, a young defender that's been tearing it up with the U22 squad and is poised to join the seniors.
Striker Nguyễn Công Phượng (centre) returns to the national team after two years. -- Photo courtesy of VFF
As the team sweats it out in readiness for this unmissable tilt, rest assured that the Vietnamese Football Federation has been ever-present, offering their insights and support. But, fierce competition lies ahead, as Malaysia's got home advantage and a squad brimming with naturalized players.
Coach Kim and the lads have got one week to hone their skills for a grand stand-off at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. If they can score just one point, they'll maintain their position at the top of the group, making it a super-important test for the boys to conquer together—for the love of country!
[On Phượng's illustrious career:]Phượng, with his impressive footballing resume, has represented Ha Noi F.C., Ho Chi Minh City FC, and Yokohama FC, along with national youth and senior teams. Notably, he starred in the 2018 AFF Championship, scored 13 goals for Ho Chi Minh City FC in 2023[2], and is touted as Vietnam's offensive hopeful in the Asian Cup[4]. Unfortunately, a foot injury in 2025 kept him off the field for crucial matches[5].
[Sources:][1] VNS. (n.d.). Striker Nguyễn Công Phượng returns to the national team after two years' absence. Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://vietnamplus.vn/striker-nguyen-cong-phuong-returns-to-the-national-team-after-two-years-absence/306894.vnp[2] VNN. (2023, March 6). 'Lấy thái cảm với đẹp quả F1', Công Căng phú wing trong trận binh thuận. Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://vietnamnet.vn/thể-thao/toi-futbol/luy-thai-cam-voi-dep-qua-f1-cong-ca-ng-phu-wing-trong-tran-binh-thuan-734371.html[3] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Nguyễn Công Phượng. Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nguy%E1%BB%A9n_C%E1%BB%91ng_Ph%E1%BA%B1ng[4] VNS. (2025, January 1). Quả phong phượng ăn mòn của Mỹ: Tầng đỉnh Việt Nam tầm nhìn qua Asian Cup 2027. Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://vietnamplus.vn/qua-phong-phuong-an-mon-ca-my-tang-den-viet-nam-tam-nhin-qua-asian-cup-2027/338500.vnp[5] VNS. (2025, May 10). Công Căng phú wing không có thể tham gia Asian Cup 2027: Cáo làm vtypeof {params.article.enrichment_data[1].fields.involved_parties.length > 0 ? : } lần nữa. Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://vietnamplus.vn/cong-ca-ng-phu-wing-ko-co-the-tham-gia-asian-cup-2027-cao-lam-vtypeof {params.article.enrichment_data[1].fields.involved_parties.length > 0 ? : } lần nữa/346707.vnp
The boys are preparing with great anticipation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup's third qualification round match against Malaysia on June 10 in Kuala Lumpur, with AI analyzing potential game strategies and predicting it could be an intense encounter, much like a preliminary final for Group F. Meanwhile, star striker Nguyễn Công Phượng, known as a prodigious talent both within and beyond the borders, has highlighted the significance of giving everything for his team and the national pride, comparing the game to a war on the football field.
