Latest news with #HoChiMinhCityFC
The Star
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia
Malaysia's Endrick Dos Santos in action against Taiwan during the World Cup qualifier match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Naturalised playmaker Endrick dos Santos is entering familiar territory when Malaysia take on Vietnam in a crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil next Tuesday. The 30-year-old Dos Santos' ties with Vietnam run deep. Currently on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim to Ho Chi Minh City FC in 1, he has strong relationships with his club teammates and coaches. And that comes with some valuable inside knowledge which he hopes to utilise and help the Harimau Malaya gain an advantage. Malaysia have yet to beat Vietnam in their last few outings but Dos Santos believes this time around, things are different, not just because of home advantage but due to the meticulous preparation and unity in the camp. "We've analysed the Vietnam team with our analysts. They're fast, strong, and they fight. But like every team, they have weaknesses. We've trained hard to follow the coach's plan. I trust the team and the process 100 percent, this will be a good game." Dos Santos still has two more matches left on his contract in Vietnam before discussions about his future take place. But for now, his focus is fully on Malaysia. With several new Malaysian-heritage players joining the squad, Endrick's multilingual background, where he is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and some Malay, has made him a natural bridge in the dressing room. "We speak a bit of everything to help each other. I try to make the new guys feel comfortable. The staff and players are all walking in the same direction now. That's very important. We think alike, we move as one and we're focused only on the win." While Vietnam will be a tough test, Dos Santos is confident Malaysia can rise to the occasion - especially with the home crowd behind them. "It's 11 vs 11, but we're playing at home. That changes things. The fans give us a big push and we need them. We'll do everything to get the three points."
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Dos Santos aims to help Malaysia break Vietnam jinx with 'inside knowledge'
KUALA LUMPUR: A Brazilian-born footballer playing in Ho Chi Minh City, could help Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier on June 10 at Bukit Jalil. Endrick dos Santos, currently on loan from JDT to Ho Chi Minh City FC, believes his "inside knowledge" of Vietnamese football could give Malaysia the edge. The midfielder has spent the past year playing in the 1, where many of Vietnam's national players also ply their trade. Dos Santos said in Kuala Lumpur today that he has studied the Golden Star Warriors' strengths and weaknesses. And he has held discussions with his national teammates and Harimau Malaya analysts. "They are fast, strong and aggressive, but they also have weaknesses. But I believe we should be in a good position again," he said. Dos Santos, 30, revealed light-heartedly that even the Ho Chi Minh City coach (Phung Thanh Phuong) and the team's players told him to put on a big performance for Malaysia against Vietnam. Malaysia have not beaten Vietnam in over a decade, but Dos Santos is confident that the tide is turning. "I trust the guys, we are 100 per cent in a good way. It should be a good game. We know the opponents are strong, but we have stepped up," he said. Dos Santos believes that playing in the Vietnamese league has given him valuable insight into their national team's playing philosophy and style. He praised the strong team spirit and adaptability among the Malaysia players, especially with the arrival of new faces into the squad.
