The team's second training session continued at Legends Academy in Chonburi, as they prepared for their opening match against Timor Leste in the ASEAN Cup 2026. Coach Kim Sang-sik participated in the warm-up alongside the players.

Striker Nguyen Tai Loc suffered a left leg injury. He underwent therapy with doctor Tran Huy Tho, then stretched while observing his teammates' training.

Coach Kim visited Tai Loc to offer encouragement and inquire about his injury. However, it appeared to be a minor muscle strain, leaving both the coach and player optimistic.

Tai Loc, originally named Geovane, was born in 1994 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. He played professionally in lower-tier leagues for Primavera, Matonense, Sao Carlos, and Maringa. In 2019, Geovane moved to Vietnam to play for Sai Gon FC, subsequently joining several other clubs. In 4/2026, Geovane received Vietnamese citizenship and was selected by Coach Kim for his first ASEAN Cup appearance.

In addition to Tai Loc's injury, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam was also absent due to muscle pain. However, the Vietnam squad remains confident with two other options: Patrik Le Giang and Tran Trung Kien.

The two remaining naturalized players, Nguyen Hoang Hen and Nguyen Xuan Son, trained enthusiastically.

Although Vietnam's ASEAN Cup 2026 matches are scheduled for evening slots, Coach Kim had the players train at 16h30 in the afternoon. He aimed to increase their strength and endurance in the hot weather conditions.

Despite the scorching heat in Chonburi, the players trained diligently, anticipating their opening match to defend the ASEAN Cup title.

Coach Kim both demonstrated techniques for the players and urged them to train diligently as the tournament start is imminent.

Before the opening match against Timor Leste, at 16h30 tomorrow afternoon, Coach Kim Sang-sik will attend the pre-match press conference. The team will then have a one-hour field familiarization training session at Chonburi from 17h.

By Duc Dong