The Vietnam national football team, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, has advanced to the final of the 2026 ASEAN Modern Cup after defeating Malaysia. Vietnam recorded five wins and one draw across six matches from the group stage to the semifinals and will face Thailand for the championship on the 22nd and 26th.
According to local media reports on the night of the 19th, Vietnam secured a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of the semifinals held at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium. After winning the first leg by the same score, Vietnam confirmed their place in the final with an aggregate score of 4-0.
Vietnam dominated the flow of the game in the second leg, particularly after Nguyen Suan Son, who was substituted in the 58th minute, scored both goals to lead the team to victory.
After the match, Suan Son stated, "There is no special message. What I want is to contribute to the team's victory. I play for the team, and whether the coach gives me 30 minutes or 90 minutes, I will give my best effort."
Vietnam's Undefeated Journey to the Final Focuses on Recovery
Coach Kim expressed his honor and joy in leading Vietnam to the final against Thailand once again. He noted that the players showed improved performance in the second leg compared to the first and overcame previous shortcomings. With only one day of rest and training, he made some positional changes to maintain the players' stamina.
Kim emphasized that recovering the players' fitness is the top priority following their advancement to the final. Given that the final matches are scheduled just two days apart, managing stamina will be crucial. He is analyzing Thailand's gameplay but stressed that restoring the players' condition is paramount with limited time remaining.
Kim also positively assessed the competition among the attacking players, including Suan Son and Nguyen Dinh Bac. He expressed hope that Suan Son would score three goals in the two final matches against Thailand. Regarding Dinh Bac, he noted the player's youth and good condition, indicating he may be utilized in the final, although he mentioned that more activity is needed defensively compared to their offensive capabilities.
Vietnamese Public's Mixed Expectations Ahead of the Final
Vietnam remains the only undefeated team in the tournament, with five wins and one draw from six matches. Their offensive prowess is notable, having scored 17 goals, the highest in the tournament, while conceding only one goal, the fewest allowed.
Thailand ranks second in scoring with 14 goals. They passed the group stage without conceding a goal but exchanged wins and losses against Singapore in the semifinals, allowing three goals.
In Vietnam, excitement is building over the team's advancement to the final, especially after Suan Son, returning from injury, scored two goals after being substituted in the second leg of the semifinals, raising hopes for the final against Thailand.
However, some fans have expressed concerns about player selections and offensive strategies ahead of the final. There are calls to enhance the attacking effectiveness before the championship match. Overall, the prevailing sentiment is one of optimism regarding the national team's stable performance throughout their undefeated run.
Vietnam will face Thailand for the ASEAN Cup title on the 22nd and 26th. This marks the fourth time the two teams will meet in the final, with Vietnam aiming for a second consecutive championship, bolstered by Suan Son's offensive strength.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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