“Vietnamese National Team’s Firepower Underestimated by Indonesian Media”
Indonesian media recently cast doubt on the Vietnamese national team’s attacking prowess ahead of their clashes on March 21 and 26 at the 2nd World Cup 2026. The Bola newspaper suggested that Vietnam should be concerned as their strikers’ club-level scoring records were less than stellar.
This assessment holds weight as coach Philippe Troussier faces setbacks in the forward department. An ankle injury has sidelined key striker Pham Tuan Hai for a month, ruling him out of the upcoming matches against Indonesia. Additionally, star player Nguyen Dinh Bac, who impressed at the Asian Cup against Japan, has faced disciplinary issues and seen a decline in form.
Amidst these challenges, Nguyen Tien Linh emerges as a beacon of hope for the Vietnamese team against Indonesia. Among the six forwards selected by Troussier, scoring ability is a concern with Linh leading the pack with four goals in 13 V-League rounds. The likes of Nguyen Van Toan, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nham Manh Dung, and Nguyen Van Tung have struggled to find the back of the net. Furthermore, Nguyen Cong Phuong’s absence from Yokohama FC adds to Vietnam’s attacking woes.
Despite these uncertainties, Troussier can rely on Linh’s recent form, with three goals in two matches boosting morale. The Hai Duong-born striker’s performance will be crucial against Indonesia. Additionally, Nham Manh Dung’s standout display in the V-League and Nguyen Cong Phuong’s experience offer hope for the team’s offensive capabilities.
As Vietnam grapples with a striking crisis, the timely contributions of Linh and Dung, alongside Phuong’s seasoned presence, could turn the tide in their favor. Troussier’s reliance on these players to address the team’s scoring dilemmas against Indonesia highlights the importance of individual form and collective experience in football.
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