Vietnam vs Malaysia: When Three 'Left-footed Players' Start Together

In the recent friendly match against Bangladesh (Vietnam won 3-0), it was perhaps the first time under his reign that coach Kim Sang Sik simultaneously used three left-footed specialists. They were Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, and the newcomer Hoang Hen.

Quang Hai remains the core player and continues to demonstrate his high-level football skills over nearly ten years, with the decisive pass that allowed Xuan Manh to double the lead. Earlier, Quang Hai himself provided the assist for Hoang Duc to shoot, nearly creating a masterpiece, had the Bangladesh goalkeeper not been so outstanding.

Quang Hai and Hoang Duc still complement each like "a perfect pair," one initiating and the other responding, understanding each other perfectly. They are the two best 'left-footed players' in Vietnamese football for over ten years. This duo is truly exceptional.

With Quang Hai and Hoang Duc already present, plus Do Hoang Hen, the naturalized player who can play both midfielder and forward and just made his national team debut. Hoang Hen integrated relatively well and, with a bit more luck, could have scored after a curling shot aimed at the far post in the second half. If he maintains his performance and dedication as seen against Bangladesh, Hoang Hen is likely to be used again when Vietnam faces Malaysia at Thien Truong.

Left-footed players, colloquially called "one-footed," always possess something distinct compared to ordinary players, especially when they play as midfielders, attacking midfielders, or withdrawn forwards. Their seemingly predictable moves, like cutting inside before shooting, appear easy to read but always pose a difficult puzzle for any defensive system. While Hoang Duc plays deeper, fitting the mold of a deep-lying organizer, Quang Hai and Hoang Hen are truly superior attacking weapons.

Bangladesh or Malaysia, in the context of "a bird afraid of a bent branch," are not strong opponents. Comprehensive attack is likely the idea coach Kim Sang Sik has determined when hosting them at home. We performed very well against Bangladesh at Hang Day, next is Malaysia at Thien Truong.

Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, and Hoang Hen, with Xuan Son and Hai Long above them, as mentioned by Sports & Culture, coach Kim Sang Sik possesses the most perfect attacking system ever. Unfortunately, both opponents Bangladesh and Malaysia are not sufficiently strong or challenging tests to evaluate the fluency and maximum effectiveness of this trio.

Hopefully, at the ASEAN Cup 2026 or further at the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, we will experience even higher emotions when Vietnam faces stronger teams.

With ball control in one-third of the pitch near the opponent's goal and continuous pressure created, the defense and goalkeeper certainly benefit as well. To say attack is also a form of defense means exactly that.

Forward, the boys of Coach Kim!