As of the 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of the semi-finals on the evening of 19/8, Dinh Bac and Xuan Son both have five goals, leading the race for the ASEAN Cup 2026 Golden Boot. When asked about this individual competition, Dinh Bac stated that who scores more goals is not a concern. "Whoever scores more is fine, the championship is the most important thing", Dinh Bac added.

Nguyen Dinh Bac dribbles during the Vietnam national team's 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals, on the evening of 19/8 at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi. Photo: Duc Dong

Dinh Bac's five goals came from a hat-trick against Timor Leste and two goals in the victory over Cambodia. Xuan Son scored three goals across two legs against Malaysia, in addition to one goal each in matches against Timor Leste and Indonesia. The achievements of these two players make Vietnam the third team in ASEAN Cup history to have at least two players scoring five or more goals in a single tournament.

Before Vietnam, only two teams had achieved this feat. Thailand had Netipong Srithong-in scoring seven goals and Kiatisuk Senamuang scoring five goals at the Tiger Cup 1996. Indonesia repeated this milestone in 2002 with Bambang Pamungkas scoring eight goals and Zaenal Arif scoring six goals, then achieved a similar feat in 2004 with Ilham Jaya Kesuma scoring seven goals and Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto scoring five goals.

Since 2007, no team has had two players scoring at least five goals in a single ASEAN Cup. Therefore, Dinh Bac and Xuan Son both reaching five goals in this year's tournament marks a special milestone for Vietnam's attack.

Xuan Son was not in the starting lineup against Malaysia. After witnessing Vietnam struggle to find the opponent's net, coach Kim Sang-sik brought on the 29-year-old forward to replace Nguyen Hai Long in the 59th minute.

Xuan Son celebrates a goal for the Vietnam national team in the 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals, on the evening of 19/8 at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi. Photo: Duc Dong

Just three minutes later, Xuan Son scored the opening goal. He appeared at the right moment to tap the ball into an open net after the Malaysian defense failed to control the ball in the penalty area.

In the 89th minute, Xuan Son completed his brace with a breakthrough on the left wing, then shot from a tight angle, sending the ball through the Malaysian goalkeeper's legs. This was also his first goal at My Dinh Stadium while playing for the Vietnam national team. "I just want to do my best to help the team win", Xuan Son said when asked if the two goals were a message to Thailand before the final.

The Brazilian-born naturalized forward also recalled memories from two years ago, when Vietnam faced Thailand in the ASEAN Cup 2024 final. Xuan Son scored two goals in the first leg at My Dinh, including one strike with many similarities to his second goal against Malaysia this time. "Two years ago, I still remember. Honestly, that was not a message", Xuan Son added.

He stated that he would focus on recovery in the short time before the two final matches against Thailand. The team will have one day less rest than their opponents before the match at Rajamangala. "I will try to rest and train well, because the rest time is too short. I want to win first, and be champions again", Xuan Son emphasized.

Xuan Son has scored eight goals in ASEAN Cup knockout rounds, equaling Teerasil Dangda's record and surpassing Chanathip Songkrasin. His previous six knockout goals came from the ASEAN Cup 2024 and the first leg of the semi-final against Malaysia on the evening of 16/8.

By reaching the final, Xuan Son still has the opportunity to hold the knockout round scoring record outright. Vietnam will face Thailand in the first leg in Bangkok on the evening of 22/8, before the two teams meet again at My Dinh on 26/8. This is the third time the national team will play the second leg of the final at home, following 2008, also against Thailand, and 2018 against Malaysia.

When asked about the quality of Thailand's defense over the last two ASEAN Cups, Xuan Son declined to comment. "Honestly, the tactics depend on the coach", he said. "My job is to follow them, because each match is very different. Ahead is a big final, with a big team. We want to win, and I want to score goals".

Hieu Luong - Xuan Binh