On the evening of 24/7 at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand, Coach Kim Sang-sik deployed Vietnam's strongest possible lineup, despite facing an opponent ranked 201st in FIFA, 102 positions below Vietnam. The attack featured Nguyen Dinh Bac and the two Brazilian-born naturalized players, Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen. Behind them were Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Hoang Duc, flanked by wing-backs Truong Tien Anh and Nguyen Van Vi. The defense comprised goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik and three central defenders: Nguyen Thanh Chung, Pham Xuan Manh, and Doan Van Hau.

"We faced a strong team, and it was very difficult," Coach Ze Pedro stated at the post-match press conference on 24/7. "But they showed us respect by not resting their key players."

Timor Leste coach Ze Pedro at the press conference after his team's 0-7 loss to Vietnam in their opening Group A match of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand on 24/7/2026. Photo: Duc Dong

Do Hoang Hen opened the scoring for Vietnam in the sixth minute with a left-footed volley inside the penalty area. This goal marked Vietnam's fastest in the Southeast Asian championship. Hoang Hen later completed his brace, while 22-year-old forward Nguyen Dinh Bac secured a hat-trick before Nguyen Quang Hai sealed the 7-0 victory.

"We made mistakes, which were easily punished by a strong opponent with many skilled players," Coach Pedro explained. "The early goal caused our players to lose control of the game. Despite the difficulty, our young players must see this as a learning opportunity."

Coach Kim Sang-sik (right) and man-of-the-match Nguyen Dinh Bac at the press conference after Vietnam's 7-0 win over Timor Leste in their opening Group A match of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand on 24/7/2026. Photo: Duc Dong

The 7-0 scoreline represents Coach Kim Sang-sik's largest victory, extending Vietnam's unbeaten run to 19 matches, with 17 wins. Timor Leste became the ninth Southeast Asian national team to lose to Coach Kim's squad, with only Brunei remaining as an unplayed opponent.

The South Korean tactician expressed satisfaction with his players' performance, noting they executed 100% of the game plan. "Many goals will boost player confidence. I hope they maintain this spirit to continue executing our plan in upcoming matches," Kim said.

This result extends Vietnam's perfect record in opening matches of the Southeast Asian championship since 2016. The team now leads Group A with three points, ahead of Singapore on goal difference, who defeated Cambodia 2-1.

Vietnam will have a bye in the second round of matches on 27/7, while Timor Leste will visit Singapore. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team will next host Singapore at My Dinh Stadium on 31/7.

Duc Dong - Hieu Luong