The world governing body FIFA published its analysis ahead of Vietnam's second match against Thailand on September 29.

Instead of focusing on attacking stars such as Nguyen Dinh Bac, Chanathip Songkrasin, or Nguyen Hoang Duc, FIFA spotlighted the roles of two midfielders tasked with controlling and linking the midfield.

Highlighting the Vietnamese midfielder, FIFA wrote: “Small of stature he may be but Le Pham Thanh Long is now an understated, yet key, part of the Vietnam midfield. Lining up as one of the central options in coach Kim Sangsik’s 3-4-2-1, he is a tenacious ball-winner and silky distributor.”

Thanh Long previously made his mark during Vietnam's 1-0 victory over the Philippines in their opening match, playing a central role until being substituted by Nguyen Tai Loc late in the game.

Meanwhile, Kritsada Kaman of Thailand shares many similarities with Thanh Long. The 27-year-old player is capable of playing as both a center-back and a central midfielder, thereby offering Thailand additional tactical options for their build-up play.

Analyzing the Thai player, FIFA noted: “They are similar qualities that the player he could well line up opposite, Kritsada Kaman, also possesses. Equally comfortable in central defence or central midfield, the 27-year-old often drops to create an extra player at the back in build-up and is a steely presence when out of possession.”

According to FIFA, the showdown between this pair of Southeast Asian giants is a highlight of the group stage action at the FIFA ASEAN Cup. It is also a fixture that could help clear the Group B picture when first-match winners Thailand and Vietnam tussle at Bandung's Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

Vietnam edge Philippines 1-0 in FIFA ASEAN Cup opener

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