On 22/8 at Rajamangala Stadium, goals from Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai helped Vietnam defeat hosts Thailand 2-0. This result gives coach Kim Sang-sik's team a significant advantage for the second leg, as they only need a draw or can even lose by one goal to successfully defend the ASEAN Cup 2026 championship.

However, Dinh Bac remains cautious despite the strong first-leg performance. "Many people believe the outcome is already decided because we won 2-0 away in the first leg. But we think differently; we still consider the score 0-0, with no advantage returning home," the Nghe An striker stated at a press conference before the final's second leg against Thailand. "We are keeping our feet on the ground. Whether as substitutes or starters, all players are united for the goal of winning and giving a gift to the fans."

Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac speaking at a press conference at the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) headquarters on the afternoon of 25/8, one day before the ASEAN Cup 2026 final second leg against Thailand. *Photo: Duc Dong*

In the ASEAN Cup 2026, Dinh Bac, playing as a winger, has made significant contributions to the team's journey towards the championship. He scored a hat-trick in the 7-0 opening match victory against Timor Leste and a brace against Cambodia in the final group stage match.

With 5 goals, Dinh Bac currently leads the Golden Boot race alongside teammate Nguyen Xuan Son. However, the 22-year-old striker is not concerned with this individual award. Instead, he wants to focus on the team's collective goal: winning and lifting the trophy at My Dinh Stadium tomorrow, 26/8.

"I haven't thought about whether I will score tomorrow. Both Son and I have no individual goals; we don't prioritize personal titles. We are focused on the match," Dinh Bac explained. "Winning and lifting the Cup together as a team is the most noble thing for both of us."

Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac expressed gratitude for the soaring demand for final tickets, admitting he couldn't even secure tickets for his relatives. "Tickets are very hard to buy, but we are happy because it shows the fans' affection for the team. We hope that with My Dinh Stadium packed, the entire team will play their best and deliver a great performance for the fans to enjoy complete joy."

The Nghe An striker also revealed that if Vietnam wins the championship, he and the entire team will perform celebratory dances with the fans.

Duc Dong