The Vietnamese national team lacks balance between defense and attack.

The latest training camp of the Vietnamese national team under coach Kim Sang Sik from March 21st brings high expectations but also reveals a reality: the team is currently unbalanced between defense and offense.

Specifically, while the defensive line boasts depth and impressive form from players performing well inV-League, the attacking line raises concerns as the forwards are collectively underperforming.

First, it must be said that the Vietnamese national team currently possesses a defensive system that is both abundant and physically strong, unprecedented in its history.

In the goalkeeper position, the competition has become the fiercest in many years. Coach Kim Sang Sik now has a roster of reliable names such asDang Van Lamfrom Ninh Binh FC, Nguyen Filip from Hanoi Police, or Trung Kien (HAGL).

In the center-back position, the situation is also quite positive. The experienced trio from Hanoi FC, including Do Duy Manh,Pham Xuan Manhis gradually regaining form, contributing to the capital club's resurgence in the championship race.

Meanwhile, center-backs from the top club CAHN, such as Doan Van Hau, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, and Tran Dinh Trong, are also performing at a high level.

On the two flanks, the options are quite diverse. The left flank could feature players like Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Van Vi, who are playing for clubs competing for the championship. The right flank has Truong Tien Anh from Ninh Binh.

However, the abundance in defense does not correspond with effectiveness in attack. This is precisely the point causing the coaching staff the most worry before the match against Malaysia.

The main striker of Nam Dinh FC, Nguyen Xuan Son, has only scored one goal in the last six V-League matches. Other attacking players like Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong, Pham Tuan Hai, and Gia Hung are all struggling to maintain their form.

This is why Coach Kim Sang Sik will add Hoang Hen to the next gathering, as the Hanoi FC player is currently the most impressive forward in the V-League.

Therefore, the match against Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium on March 31st is not only a crucial test but also an examination of the Vietnamese national team's balance. If offensive efficiency cannot be improved, the advantage of a deep and quality defensive line may still not guarantee a victory.