The Vietnamese team will meet the Japanese team on the opening day of the 2023 Asian Cup. With a tight schedule, coach Philippe Troussier must consider many factors to come up with a suitable starting lineup in the match against a superior opponent like the Japanese team.
In goal, the starting position certainly belongs to Nguyen Filip. Dang Van Lam's injury right before the 2023 Asian Cup left coach Troussier with only one best option. Dinh Trieu or Van Viet are still more suitable for a reserve role than playing in high-profile matches.
Nguyen Quang Hai may return to the starting lineup of the Vietnam national team.
The defense is where the French coach can make unpredictable adjustments. Recently, Le Ngoc Bao has made a lot of progress in the left center-back position. His defensive ability and physique are superior to Phan Tuan Tai.
Ngoc Bao is suitable for the game where the Vietnamese team is forced to retreat deep to defend. That is probably the reason why coach Troussier called up and kept the player of Binh Dinh Club in the list for the 2023 Asian Cup, although during the previous period, he trusted Tuan Tai in this position.
Meanwhile, Bui Hoang Viet Anh is likely to play in the center of defense, replacing Que Ngoc Hai. This is the option that Mr. Troussier used in previous matches, when Binh Duong's center back was absent.
Nguyen Thanh Binh will play as right center back in case Do Duy Manh - who has just recovered from injury - cannot regain his best condition to play. The left back position will still belong to Vo Minh Trong - there are not many "competitors".
On the right flank, Mr. Troussier has Ho Tan Tai, Pham Xuan Manh, Vu Van Thanh and Truong Tien Anh. All four of these names have not yet secured a regular place in the Vietnam national team and have not created any confidence. Perhaps Xuan Manh, with his strong physical foundation, will provide a new solution for defense.
Against a strong opponent in the midfield, Nguyen Thai Son and Do Hung Dung can play together to create a combative midfield duo ready to fill any gap. Previously, Mr. Troussier's preferred option was for Thai Son to play with Nguyen Tuan Anh.
In attack, coach Philippe Troussier will bring Quang Hai back to the right forward position. He will play freely as he once shone. Pham Tuan Hai has a minor injury but can still start on the left wing.
In the center forward position, when Nguyen Tien Linh and Nguyen Hoang Duc are absent, the opportunity comes to Nguyen Van Tung. The U23 Vietnam striker has a good physique and is a wall striker who will likely have his first appearance at the 2023 Asian Cup.
The match between Vietnam and Japan will take place at 6:30 p.m. on January 14.
Expected lineup of Vietnam team: Nguyen Filip, Le Ngoc Bao, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Minh Trong, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Pham Xuan Manh, Nguyen Thai Son, Do Hung Dung, Pham Tuan Hai, Nguyen Van Tung, Nguyen Quang Hai.
Mai Phuong
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