Tiến Linh asserts that the Vietnam national team will 'transform' when facing Malaysia again.

Forward Nguyễn Tiến Linh emphasizes that the Vietnam national team will show a totally changed face in the rematch against Malaysia, after the whole squad gained important insights from the initial loss.

The Vietnam team is currently gathering to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, aiming for the best possible results in the upcoming two matches against Nepal. In a media interview, striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh expressed determination to lead the team toward victory and affirmed that the squad has drawn many valuable lessons from the defeat to Malaysia in the first leg.

Reflecting on the unfortunate loss to Malaysia, the 28-year-old Ho Chi Minh City Police striker openly stated: “Their naturalized players have excellent skills and made a significant difference. At that time, our entire team played with resilience and gave their all but still couldn’t achieve the desired outcome. I believe if we get the chance to face them again in March, the Vietnam team will show a different face and perform better.”

Looking ahead to the new journey, Tiến Linh believes the whole team is in good spirits and highly focused on the upcoming matches. He emphasized: “For now, the clear goal is to win both matches against Nepal. In November, we will face Laos again, and the objective remains nothing less than 3 points. By March next year, when we play Malaysia at home, the entire team will give their best to secure all 3 points, keeping hopes alive for advancement.”

According to the plan, the Vietnam team will have nearly two weeks of training to refine their gameplay before the official qualifying matches begin. Alongside the return of many key players, a strong fighting spirit is spreading throughout the squad, aiming to regain fans’ trust after a series of unsatisfactory results.

Tiến Linh’s comments reveal the strong desire and fighting spirit of the “Golden Star Warriors.” For now, coach Kim Sang Sik’s team aims for two crucial wins against Nepal and Laos before awaiting the chance to “avenge” Malaysia on home soil in March next year—a match expected to be decisive for Vietnam’s journey in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.