Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac plays in Vietnam's 7-0 victory over Timor Leste in Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand on the evening of 24/7. Photo: Duc Dong

Vietnam secured a dominant 7-0 victory over Timor Leste in their opening match on 24/7, with 5 goals scored in the first half. However, the match offered few significant tactical insights due to the opponent's low ranking; Timor Leste is 201st in FIFA, compared to Vietnam's 99th. The highlight was the reigning champions showcasing a potent attack. Rising star Nguyen Dinh Bac scored a hat-trick, while naturalized Brazilian duo Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen contributed three goals combined.

Vietnam's offensive power could further increase today with Nguyen Tai Loc, who has recovered from injury. Loc is Vietnam's third naturalized Brazilian player in this year's ASEAN Cup, possessing a quality 'left foot' and a highly unpredictable playing style. However, with the Son - Hen - Bac trio currently operating effectively, Loc will likely be deployed only if the team faces a stalemate or if coach Kim Sang-sik wishes to test additional attacking options.

After two years of playing at various local venues, the national team returns to the recently renovated My Dinh Stadium today. This 'sacred ground' witnessed Vietnam lifting the AFF Cup (predecessor to the ASEAN Cup) twice, in 2008 and 2018. For coach Kim, this marks his first match in charge at My Dinh. Fans anticipate seeing him and his players extend their unbeaten streak on this pitch to 20 matches.

However, the South Korean strategist's ambition extends beyond this. In yesterday's pre-match press conference, he declared the match against Singapore a "final", aiming to demonstrate the champions' strength to their opponents. A victory in this match would give Vietnam confidence heading into their away game against Indonesia, the toughest opponent in Group A, scheduled for 3/8.

Hoang Duc and teammates in the 3-1 victory over Singapore in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-finals, on 29/12 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho. Photo: Lam Thoa

Historical head-to-head records favor Vietnam, with 9 wins, 9 draws, and 4 losses. Their last defeat to Singapore was in the 1998 Tiger Cup final, the predecessor to the ASEAN Cup, marked by defender Sasikumar's famous goal scored with his back.

In their 5 recent matches, Vietnam has recorded 3 wins and 2 draws. Most recently, in the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-finals, Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Tien Linh secured a 2-0 away victory for Vietnam. Returning home, this attacking duo continued to shine, scoring three goals, including a brace from the naturalized Brazilian forward.

This year, Singapore has had a positive start, defeating Cambodia and Timor Leste to top Group A. Their schedule has been favorable, facing weaker opponents first before stronger ones. However, these two victories alone are insufficient to fully assess Singapore's strength. They have even revealed weaknesses in their finishing ability and defensive errors.

For this match, the visiting team will heavily rely on naturalized midfielders Song Ui-yong and Kyoga Nakamura, alongside strikers Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi, and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. A victory against Vietnam would almost certainly secure Singapore's advancement, serving as a strong motivation for Fandi and his teammates.

"A win against Vietnam would provide significant momentum for the decisive match against Indonesia", said Fandi, who is in good form, having scored in his last two consecutive matches. "We know our opponents are formidable, but we are ready to face the challenge. You just have to do your best, and God will take care of the rest".

Anticipated Lineups

Vietnam: Patrik Le Giang, Van Hau, Thanh Chung, Xuan Manh, Tien Anh, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Van Vi, Dinh Bac, Xuan Son, Hoang Hen.

Singapore: Izwan Mahbud, Fandi Irfan, Harun, Tan Han Wei, Ui Yong Song, Stewart, Nakamura, Shahiran, Abdullah, Kweh Glen, Fandi Ilhan.

Duc Dong