Cựu Coach Đoàn Minh Xương: 'Hoàng Hên Is Not Suitable To Play
October 4, 2026 · PerúThailand
Cựu coach Đoàn Minh
Cựu Coach Đoàn Minh Xương: 'Hoàng Hên Is Not Suitable To Play
According to Vnexpress.
Background
This match shows the importance of adjustments in team formation ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. With players like Nguyễn Hoàng Đức showing potential, Vietnam need to find the right combination to maximize their strengths. The mismatch between Hoàng Hên and Hoàng Đức could be a factor that needs to be considered in the team's preparation for the next match.
Why this is important
Vietnam's victory over Pakistan with a score of 4-2 gave them the opportunity to proceed to the next phase in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. However, concerns have arisen regarding the incompatibility between Hoàng Hên and Hoàng Đức, which could impact the team's performance in the upcoming matches. The Vietnam national team needs to improve coordination on the front lines so they can compete better in this tournament.
Main Points
- Cựu Coach Đoàn Minh Xương: 'Hoàng Hên is not suitable to play.
- Cựu coach Đoàn Minh
- Cựu HLV Đoàn Minh Xương: 'Hoàng Hên không hợp đá cùng Hoàng Đức' - Báo VnExpress Thể thao.
Vietnam entered their final group B match on October 2 with a clear chance, with they only needing a draw against Pakistan to book a place in the minor final against Malaysia. In this match, the team replaced five players compared to when they lost 0-2 to Thailand. The players who were fielded included Phạm Xuân Mạnh, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, Đỗ Hoàng Hên, Williams Minh Hoàng, and Nguyễn Hai Long, who replaced Adou Leygley Minh, Phan Tuấn Tài, Lê Phạm Thành Long, Võ Hoàng Minh Khoa, and Nguyễn Đình Bắc.
Facing a team ranked 198th in the world, Vietnam controlled possession of the ball but experienced a deadlock when approaching the opponent's penalty area. The three players on the front line, Nguyễn Tài Lộc, Hai Long and Williams, looked less coordinated. The team had to wait until the 41st minute to create their first chance on target through Nguyễn Hoàng Đức's long-range shot. At the end of the first half, Hoàng Đức played a pass through a gap for Williams, but his shot went wide of the goal.
While the front line struggled, the team's defense made a mistake in the 31st minute. Hai Long lost the ball, followed by mistakes by Hoàng Hên and Lê Ngọc Bảo which gave Mohib Ullah the opportunity to beat goalkeeper Lê Giang Patrik. "Vietnam played in the first half like a lost chicken," Đoàn Minh Xương told VnExpress. "Coach Kim Sang-sik kept making changes, but the results were not successful. The central midfield pair of Hoàng Hên and Hoàng Đức was completely incompatible. Lê Phạm Thành Long who came in later showed the difference."
These two players, who are known for their left foot skills and superior game vision in the V-League, are expected to help Vietnam control the ball better. However, their placement in midfield in a two central midfielder formation (such as 3-4-3 or 3-5-2) actually creates big problems, especially in terms of defense and physicality. In fact, in the first half, when Hoàng Hên had to divide defensive duties and fall back to help defend, his condition deteriorated quickly, so that he was forced to move away from the opponent's area which is usually his dangerous place.
Cựu player Nghiêm Xuân Tú was also surprised to see the performance of players who seemed less powerful in this phase. He added, "The players looked mentally and physically tired. They played with a lack of enthusiasm, which led to many errors in passing and coordination."
Xuân Tú, who has long experience in the V-League, observed that while Vietnam did not play according to expectations, Pakistan showed an improvement in performance. After losing 0-4 to Thailand, they drew 2-2 against the Philippines despite trailing 2-0. This team from South Asia managed to fill the gap between the center back and wing back, and took advantage of Vietnam's defensive mistakes.
After the match, coach Kim Sang-sik attributed the poor performance in the first half to weather conditions, where the team had to move from rainy Bandung to hotter Jakarta. This has an impact on team focus. In the second half, Kim immediately made changes to the left side, withdrawing Tài Lộc and Cao Pendant Quang Vinh to introduce Nguyễn Đình Bắc and Phan Tuấn Tài. Vietnam also changed by scoring four goals, all from that side. Tuấn Tài crossed for Hai Long to equalize in the 50th minute. Đình Bắc assisted Hoàng Đức and Williams to score in the 57th minute and in stoppage time, and scored his own goal in the 80th minute. Pakistan fortunately equalized in the 88th minute after the ball hit Kaleem Ullah's foot and changed direction.
"Coach Kim Sang-sik showed his ability to change the game with decisive decisions. Hai Long's quick goal put things back on track," said Xuân Tú. "Đình Bắc also showed why he is considered a big star in Vietnamese football. Additionally, Pakistani players' stamina is declining faster than I expected."
This victory moved Vietnam to second place in Group B with 6 points, level with Thailand who had just lost to the Philippines 1-2, but lost in a direct meeting. The team will remain in Jakarta to prepare for the third-place match against Malaysia on October 5. Meanwhile, the final will pit host Indonesia against Thailand. Overall, Đoàn Minh However, he agreed with South Korean coach Bae Ji-won that the main cause of Vietnam's less than convincing display was the players' physical condition, while offering a more sympathetic view of the coaching staff.
"It is very difficult to expect a good performance when the main force is not available. This is the result of many key players in the national team and clubs having played in many tournaments in the last two months," he said. "Vietnamese football does not have the talent surplus to maintain the quality of the national team. The gap between the core and reserve players is very clear. When Hoàng Đức, Xuân Son, Đình Bắc, and Thành Chung were not there, it was very visible. In an important match against Thailand, coach Kim even had to reshuffle the team by fielding inexperienced players in the national team such as Minh Khoa, and full-backs like Quang Vinh played in the central midfield position."
This specialist who was born in 1959, who has coached U20 Vietnam and many clubs in the V-League in the south, also believes that this is an opportunity for the coaching staff to review the team's problems before entering important tournaments such as the 2027 Asian Cup. Apart from that, PSSI also needs to review the objectives of each tournament, so that they can prepare the best players for the most important tournament. "Vietnam cannot become champions and play well in every tournament with just one small group of players. They also need time to recover their energy," he added.
What happened next
With this result, it is hoped that Vietnam can prepare better for the match against Malaysia in the small final. Coach Kim Sang-sik may re-evaluate the team's formation and strategy to improve performance. The focus will be on how the team can correct the mistakes that occurred, especially on the front lines, to face the challenge in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the result of the Việt Nam vs Pakistan match?
Vietnam only need a draw to book a place in the minor final against Malaysia.
How will the result of this match impact Vietnam's position in the table?
Vietnam need a draw against Pakistan to book a place in the minor final.
Who are the players involved in this match?
Players fielded include Phạm Xuân Mạnh, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, Đỗ Hoàng Hên, Williams Minh Hoàng, and Nguyễn Hai Long.
When is the next match for Vietnam?
The next match for Vietnam is the minor final against Malaysia.
What did Đoàn Minh Xương say about midfielder pair Hoàng Hên and Hoàng Đức?
Đoàn Minh