Prediction for Malaysia - Vietnam: battle for the bronze medals
Malaysia
Vietnam
On October 5, Malaysia will face Vietnam in the ASEAH Cup. This matchup between the two national teams traditionally attracts plenty of interest from fans across Southeast Asia: there is no shortage of rivalry, and the difference in class does not always prove to be the deciding factor.
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For both teams, this is an opportunity to test themselves and secure an important result in the battle for tournament points.
However, the tournament situation has already been decided: this is not a fight for a place in the final, but a third-place playoff in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup. After losing to Thailand (0:2), Vietnam managed to bounce back against Pakistan, winning 4:2. It was hardly a straightforward outing, though: Kim Sang-sik's side conceded first but turned the game around after the break. Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Dinh Bac and Williams Minh Hoang got on the scoresheet. Dinh Bac, in particular, deserves special mention for his active involvement in the team's attacking moves.
Malaysia are also heading into this encounter with a degree of confidence. After drawing 0:0 with Indonesia, the Malaysians thrashed Singapore 6:0, although that was not enough to reach the final. Tan Cheng Hoe's team showed impressive attacking efficiency and will now look to finish the tournament on a high.
At the same time, Malaysia have some selection problems. Captain Dion Cools will miss the game for family reasons, while Faisal Halim has returned home for treatment on a calf muscle and tendon injury. On the positive side, Bergson da Silva is back from suspension and will be able to bolster the team's attack.
There is also an extra edge to this rivalry. The national teams met in the semifinals of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup in August, with Vietnam winning both matches by an aggregate score of 4:0. However, the current Malaysia squad looks capable enough to try to rewrite that chapter of the story.
Vietnam traditionally relies on possession-based football and quick transitions into attack, while Malaysia can counter with physical strength and aggressive pressing. Given the nature of the match and both teams' desire to finish the tournament with medals, a dull contest is unlikely.
The match will take place on October 5 at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta. Kick-off is at 11:00 local time.
My prediction: both teams to score - yes.
