South Korean media expressed shock and concern for Vietnam’s national football team and head coach Kim Sang Sik following their 0-4 defeat to Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

“Vietnam, under coach Kim Sang Sik, suffered a devastating 0-4 defeat against Malaysia, triggering a red alert in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers,” reported News 1 after the match, which took place at Bukit Jalil Stadium on the evening of June 10.

The outlet added, “Vietnam held Malaysia to a 0-0 draw in the first half but completely collapsed after the break, conceding four consecutive goals.”

This heavy blow from their opponents pushed Vietnam down to second place in Group F, with 3 points after 2 matches and a goal difference of +1. Malaysia now leads the group with two straight wins (6 points) and a goal difference of +6. This means added pressure for Kim Sang Sik and his players in the remaining qualifying matches as they aim to secure a spot at the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Kyung Hyang described Vietnam’s defeat to Malaysia as a “shock” after previously recording five consecutive wins over the same opponent.

“Vietnam suffered a bitter loss to Malaysia, their first in two years and six months since a 3-0 win in the 2022 AFF Cup group stage under then-coach Park Hang Seo,” the article noted.

Kim Sang Sik’s squad shocked fans with the disastrous loss on June 10, their worst defeat against Malaysia after five straight victories.

Vietnam played a disciplined first half, drawing 0-0 with Malaysia, but collapsed in the second half, conceding four unanswered goals. The painful defeat dropped them to second place in Group F, seriously jeopardizing their chances of directly qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

The group also includes Laos and Nepal, but realistically, the top spot is expected to be a battle between Malaysia and Vietnam.

Coach Kim and his players still have two matches ahead against Nepal (October 9 and 14), a rematch with Laos (November 18), and will conclude the final round of Asian Cup qualifying by hosting Malaysia on March 31, 2026.

Lam Hoang