In a recent analysis, commentator Quang Huy highlighted the critical role of midfielder Hoang Duc in resolving the challenges faced by the Vietnam national football team. As they prepare for a decisive match against Thailand, Quang Huy pointed out that the team's defensive support from the midfield has been a significant concern that needs to be addressed.

Vietnam secured a narrow 1-0 victory against the Philippines, thanks to a goal from Nguyen Dinh Bac. However, the match revealed several weaknesses, as Vietnam struggled with ball possession and shot accuracy compared to the Philippines. Quang Huy noted that luck played a part in their win, with key moments such as a shot hitting the crossbar and VAR interventions helping to maintain the slim lead.

According to Quang Huy, the instability in the midfield has been a root cause of the team's issues. Coach Kim has been unable to field his top midfield pairing of Hoang Duc and Thanh Long, resulting in problems with ball recovery, circulation, and defensive support. While Hoang Hen has shown effort, he cannot fully meet the demands placed on him in the absence of Hoang Duc.

Hoang Duc is currently recovering from an injury and may not be at full fitness for the upcoming match. Quang Huy speculated that Coach Kim might opt for Minh Khoa to fill in for Hoang Duc, but ultimately, Hoang Hen was chosen. Despite his hard work, Hoang Hen struggled to manage multiple roles effectively in the midfield.

The Vietnam team has been employing a 5-3-2 formation, with Thanh Long positioned to recover the ball and Hoang Hen tasked with a box-to-box role. This setup requires constant movement and the ability to evade pressing, which has proven challenging without Hoang Duc's presence.

Quang Huy stressed the necessity of Hoang Duc's return for the match against Thailand, asserting that it would resolve many of the team's current problems. He emphasized the importance of the Hoang Duc-Thanh Long duo, stating that even with Minh Khoa's inclusion, the fluidity in the midfield would not be the same as when Hoang Duc is on the field.

Reflecting on the match against the Philippines, Quang Huy acknowledged the difficulties faced by the team, noting that they were not at their best and had to experiment with various positions. He also commented on the improved performance of the Philippines, which has made significant strides in their football development.

As Vietnam gears up for the clash with Thailand, Quang Huy believes that strengthening their defensive capabilities is crucial. He pointed out that the team's defensive trio, Xuân Mạnh, Việt Anh, and Adou Minh, are still developing their chemistry, leading to vulnerabilities in defense. With limited options available, Coach Kim must rely on the existing defenders to perform well against Thailand.

In conclusion, Quang Huy expressed confidence in Coach Kim's ability to adapt and experiment with new players, suggesting that the coach might be holding back strategies for the crucial match ahead. He believes that while Vietnam could have performed better against the Philippines, the result was sufficient to achieve their goals.