Challenges and Criticisms Facing the Vietnamese National Team Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The Vietnamese national team stumbled in their journey towards the 2026 World Cup in Asia, suffering a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. This setback puts their campaign at risk, with their next crucial match slated for March 26 at home. Coach Philippe Troussier and his team are banking on a reversal of fortune in front of their supporters.

Despite the hope for a turnaround, Troussier is under mounting scrutiny. Former VFF Professional Vice President Duong Vu Lam highlighted the lack of a definitive playing style under the French coach’s tenure. Vu Lam critiqued the team’s ambiguous strategy, particularly noting their unclear approach to counter-attacking and ball possession.

The distressing loss against Indonesia revealed glaring deficiencies in the Vietnamese team’s performance. Vu Lam expressed concern over the team’s vulnerability to repeated throw-in tactics, citing a lack of defensive coordination. The former VFF official emphasized the need for improved cohesion in defense to avoid similar lapses in the future.

Further dissecting the team’s shortcomings, Vu Lam took aim at Troussier’s player management. He asserted that key players like Tien Linh, Tan Tai, and Van Toan were underutilized, depriving them of ample opportunities to impact matches. Moreover, Vu Lam criticized the team’s overall directionless playstyle, which hampers individual player development and collective effectiveness.

As the pressure mounts on Troussier and his squad, the upcoming home fixture against Indonesia presents a crucial opportunity for redemption. The Vietnamese team must heed the lessons from their recent defeat and implement a more structured approach to secure a favorable result. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Troussier can steer his team back on track in pursuit of their World Cup ambitions.