Vietnam secured their largest victory under coach Kim Sang-sik, defeating Timor Leste 7-0 in Chonburi, Thailand, on the evening of 24/7. This dominant performance marked the team's opening match of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Nguyen Xuan Son contributed to the rout, scoring the fifth goal with a fortunate tap-in at the far post following a cross from Nguyen Van Vi. Despite scoring one goal, Xuan Son expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive win and his comfort playing within an inspired team. "It's easy playing alongside intelligent teammates. We coordinated well. The whole team performed well, and I'm sure everyone is happy with this victory," the 29-year-old striker said.

Vietnam striker Nguyen Xuan Son claps as Nguyen Dinh Bac scores to make it 4-0 in the 7-0 win over Timor Leste in the opening match of Group A, ASEAN Cup 2026, at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand, 24/7. *Duc Dong*

The other six goals came from Nguyen Dinh Bac, who netted a hat-trick, Do Hoang Hen with a brace, and Nguyen Quang Hai. Nguyen Hoang Duc and Bui Hoang Viet Anh also provided assists. Xuan Son's goal was his 12th in 10 matches for the Vietnam national team, with five of those coming in his last five appearances. His impressive ratio of 1,2 goals per match stands as the highest in the team's history, making him the fastest player to reach this milestone, surpassing Nguyen Trong Hoang (74 matches), Nguyen Cong Phuong (56), and Nguyen Anh Duc (37).

Discussing his role, Xuan Son stated, "My job is to score goals. There are matches where I don't score many, but I always try my best. If not this match, I'll try harder next time. That's how I work."

In the match against Timor Leste, Xuan Son and his teammates utilized the ample space on the field. The striker touched the ball 41 times and completed 26 passes with 92% accuracy. He registered six shots, two of which were on target, though he missed two clear opportunities. Each goal brought a smile to Xuan Son's face as he celebrated with his teammates. This victory marks Vietnam's sixth consecutive opening match win in the Southeast Asian tournament. However, the win is considered standard given Timor Leste's FIFA ranking of 201st.

Vietnam beats Timor Leste 7-0 in the opening match of Group A, ASEAN Cup 2026.

Xuan Son confirmed that the entire team underwent thorough physical and tactical preparation during their training camp in Korea. The current squad is highly competitive, even internally, and is determined to defend their championship title.

Vietnam will have a rest day on 27/7. Their next match is scheduled for 31/7, when they will host Singapore at My Dinh Stadium in Ha Noi. Singapore secured a 2-1 away victory against Campuchia yesterday, 24/7, and will play Timor Leste at home before traveling to Vietnam.

Hieu Luong