World Cup qualifiers: Projected Vietnam’s XI against Indonesia

Aiming for a win, head coach Park Hang-seo is likely to field an offensive squad for Vietnam, as the team resume the action in the second round of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers in a Group G clash against ASEAN neighbours Indonesia in the UAE tonight.

Coach Park Hang-seo is likely to field an offensive squad for Vietnam’s match against Indonesia. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
Coach Park Hang-seo is likely to field an offensive squad for Vietnam’s match against Indonesia. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

>>> World Cup qualifiers: Vietnam targets full three points against Indonesia

>>> World Cup qualifiers: Vietnam ready for clash with Indonesia

Without favoured keeper Dang Van Lam and star midfielder Do Hung Dung, Vietnam's squad cannot be considered its strongest. However, with the men brought to the UAE, the Korean tactician will make his best choice for the squad in the current situation.

In goal, veteran Bui Tan Truong is almost certain as the 35-year-old Dong Thap goalkeeper has the most experience, with several international caps, compared to his two young teammates Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Van Hoang. In addition, Truong has maintained a stable performance since joining Hanoi FC.

Vietnam have two missing players due to suspension, defender Dinh Trong and winger Trong Hoang. Dinh Trong is a solid rock in the backline, but it seems Park is not too worried as trio Tien Dung, Ngoc Hai and Duy Manh are in good shape recently.

it’s the wings and midfield which have made the Korean coach think the most. On the right wing, the Vietnamese team did not have the service of Trong Hoang because of a suspension while on the opposite side, left-back Doan Van Hau has just recovered from an injury. Instead, Van Thanh and Hong Duy are options that can bring him peace of mind.

In the midfield, to cope with the absence of keyman Do Hung Dung, coach Park could consider the option of attacking midfielder Quang Hai to form a central midfield trio. For the role of a defensive midfielder, perhaps Duc Huy will be preferred over Ly Cong Hoang Anh to play next to Tuan Anh, if the Hoang Anh Gia Lai midfielder is fit.

In the attacking line, Park has many options as strikers Phan Van Duc, Cong Phuong, Tien Linh and Van Toan are all in good form in V.League 1 this season. In the first leg, the Korean coach used Van Toan a lot, but that was as Van Duc was injured. It is likely the Song Lam Nghe An striker will be chosen to play next to Tien Linh or Cong Phuong.

Vietnam face Indonesia at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, UAE at 23:45 tonight (Hanoi time).

Vietnam’s projected lineup (3-5-2)

Goalkeeper: Bui Tan Truong

Defenders: Do Duy Manh, Que Ngoc Hai, Bui Tien Dung

Midfielders: Vu Van Thanh, Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Pham Duc Huy, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy

Forwards: Nguyen Tien Linh, Phan Van Duc