Ten Goals From Two Strikers and the Quiet Void Behind: Vietnam’s Backup Problem

Vietnam’s recent attacking success has been shaped by two dominant central strikers, Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Tien Linh. Their movement, finishing and ability to score under pressure have given the national team a reliable path to goals. However, this dependence has created a tactical blind spot: when defensive opponents such as Thailand compress space, Vietnam often have no alternative route to goal. Goals are frequently concentrated in a narrow central area, leaving the team predictable and vulnerable. The wider problem is squad depth. Backup forwards receive limited playing time, making it difficult to develop the instincts needed at tournament level. Vietnam should build a more distributed attacking system in which wingers, central midfielders and full-backs can all contribute goals. Only by reducing reliance on two individuals can the national team protect its key strikers and build a more sustainable future.