Vietnam – Myanmar: 7 PM on Saturday, 18/7, on VnExpress.

In their most recent encounter, Myanmar lost 0-5 to Vietnam at Phu Tho Stadium during the ASEAN Cup 2024 group stage. Coach Myo Hlaing Win then led the team. However, just two weeks before this year's tournament began, the Myanmar Football Federation decided to part ways with the local coach, signing a contract with Norwegian tactician Jorn Andersen on 8/7.

The coach, born in 1963, highly regards Vietnam, which is ranked in the top 100 by FIFA, while Myanmar is 158th. This indicates a large difference in team level and football development. However, he wants Myanmar players to learn, compete, gain experience, and demonstrate their preparations against a strong opponent.

Myanmar national team coach Jorn Andersen of Norway speaks during a press conference before the friendly match against Vietnam at Thai Nguyen Stadium on 17/7/2026. Photo: Giang Huy

"It's hard to predict tomorrow's result. But this is just a friendly, and we want to face a strong opponent," Andersen stated at the press conference this afternoon at Thai Nguyen Stadium. "It's a good test after our preparations. Losing to Vietnam is normal; winning would only be a slight surprise."

During his playing career, Jorn Andersen was a renowned Norwegian forward, playing 27 matches for the national team from 1985 to 1990. He also played for prominent European clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt, Hamburger SV (Germany), and FC Zurich (Switzerland).

After coaching in Europe, he moved to North Korea, beginning his connections with Vietnam. In 2016, his North Korea team lost 2-5 to Vietnam, then under coach Nguyen Huu Thang, in a friendly match in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2019, Andersen spent half a season with forward Nguyen Cong Phuong while managing Incheon United in K-League 1. Four years later, he coached the Hong Kong national team in a 0-1 friendly loss to Vietnam, then led by Philippe Troussier, at Thien Truong Stadium.

Vietnamese forward Nguyen Xuan Son (12) disputes with Myanmar center-back Soe Moe Kyaw (4) during Vietnam's 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the final group stage match of the ASEAN Cup 2026 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho on 21/12/2024. Photo: Hieu Luong

"Vietnam has made significant progress each time I've faced them. They are a strong team in Southeast Asia, stronger than both Hong Kong and Myanmar," Andersen stated. "Tomorrow will be a difficult match. The opponent has added three naturalized players of Brazilian origin."

The ASEAN Cup 2024 encounter also marked the debut of naturalized Brazilian-origin forward Nguyen Xuan Son for the Vietnam national team. He immediately shone, scoring two goals and providing assists, helping the team to a dominant 5-0 victory. For this upcoming match, two other Brazilian-origin players, Nguyen Tai Loc and Do Hoang Hen, are also included.

Vietnam holds a superior head-to-head record, with 9 wins, 2 draws, and one loss. Their only defeat was in 10/2008, a 2-3 scoreline, ahead of the AFF Cup, the predecessor to the ASEAN Cup.

Myanmar still boasts many experienced players, such as defender Nanda Kyaw, midfielders Lwin Moe Aung, Maung Maung Lwin, and forward Than Paing. Maung was the sole scorer for the ASEAN All-stars, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, in a friendly victory over Man Utd in 2025. Another notable name is center-back Soe Moe Kyaw, currently playing for Thai club Uthai Thani, who faced accusations of discriminatory remarks, stating, "Nguyen Xuan Son is not Vietnamese."