A debate erupted on social media platform X after former Singapore international and commentator Rhysh Roshan Rai posted: "Not a great performance, incredibly lucky, but a great result."

He suggested that Singapore could be pleased with a draw against the defending champions, especially after a packed schedule of three matches in eight days, including two away trips. This result allowed them to remain unbeaten and gain six days of rest before hosting Indonesia.

Kyoga Nakamura challenges Truong Tien Anh during the match between Vietnam and Singapore at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi, on the evening of 31/7 in the ASEAN Cup 2026. *Photo: Ngoc Thanh*

Kyoga Nakamura, a Japanese-born midfielder who gained Singaporean citizenship, quickly responded. He wrote: "Sorry, I want to ask. Why do you say we didn't play well enough?"

Rai later explained that Nakamura might have misunderstood due to the social media platform's automatic translation feature. He clarified that his message was positive, commending Singapore's efforts in their first three matches of the tournament. "I said you put in a lot of effort over three matches. The team still got results even if the performance wasn't always good. Relax," Rai replied, also referencing Coach Gavin Lee's post-match statement.

As the discussion continued, Rai clarified his stance: "Not playing well does not mean not being good enough. Vietnam created many chances. Their finishing was poor, so Singapore was not punished. We barely created pressure in the first half; the second half was better. This was a very difficult away match with a heavy schedule, so one point is good."

Many Singaporean fans also joined the debate, suggesting that while their team might have been somewhat lucky, they played well enough to deserve a point. Rai countered that football does not work that way. According to him, a team can play very well and still lose, or perform below par and still achieve a favorable result.

Nonetheless, Rai affirmed his positive assessment of Singapore's journey in the ASEAN Cup 2026. The team has navigated a demanding schedule with continuous travel, maintained an unbeaten record after three rounds, and now controls their own destiny for a semi-final spot by hosting Indonesia at home.

Former Singaporean player, Rhysh Roshan Rai. *Photo: Offside HK*

Nakamura, 30, previously played for Japan U18. He moved to Singapore to play in 2019 and became eligible for naturalization in 2024. Nakamura started all three of Singapore's matches since the start of the tournament but will be suspended for the final group stage match against Indonesia due to receiving two yellow cards.

After three matches, Singapore leads Group A with 7 points, one point ahead of Indonesia, having played one more match. Vietnam is third with 4 points from two matches. If Gavin Lee's team beats Indonesia in their final match at Jalan Besar Stadium on 7/8, they will advance to the semi-finals regardless of other results.

Coach Gavin Lee himself does not believe Singapore was merely fortunate at My Dinh. He asserted that the team came to Hanoi aiming for a win and still regretted not achieving it.

"Many aspects today were good. We came here to win but couldn't," the 35-year-old coach said. "Vietnam is a benchmark for Singapore's progress because they also competed in the Asian Cup 2027. For most of the game, we stayed in the match and created a few chances that should have been goals. That shows progress because we are not satisfied just with a draw. There is much to be proud of, but we wanted three points."

Main match highlights.

Central defender Lionel Tan also felt the result accurately reflected the game. "We played as a team. The goal for every match is always to win, but today we left with one point. Vietnam is very strong; we fought hard, and I think both teams deserved a point," he said.

Captain Hariss Harun, the man of the match, stated that Singapore was not just defensive. According to him, the away team created problems for Vietnam, stuck to their tactical plan, and achieved their goal of bringing a point home, although the race for the semi-finals is not over.

At My Dinh Stadium on the evening of 31/7, Vietnam completely dominated the game. The home team had superior possession and took 22 shots but could not breach Singapore's defense. Their clearest opportunities were missed when Nguyen Thanh Chung headed wide of the post, and Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Tai Loc both hit the crossbar.

Despite heavy pressure, Singapore still managed notable counter-attacks. In the 77th minute, from a Nakamura free-kick, Jacob Mahler volleyed from close range but goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik blocked it at the near post. In the 84th minute, Shawal Anuar again forced the Vietnamese goalkeeper to make a save.

The 0-0 draw ended Vietnam's 15-match winning streak, which had lasted over 19 months. Kim Sang-sik's team needs to beat Indonesia in Bogor on the evening of 3/8 to avoid losing control of their semi-final destiny. Meanwhile, Singapore gained a significant advantage ahead of their decisive clash with Indonesia on the evening of 7/8.

Xuan Binh