Thai Nguyen, 19 July 2026 – Vietnam showcased their strength ahead of their ASEAN Cup 2026 title defense with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Myanmar, delivering an attacking masterclass in front of a packed crowd at Thai Nguyen Stadium.
Newcomer Nguyen Tai Loc was tested in different roles during the match, operating both as a forward and in central midfield. Regardless of where he was deployed, however, Vietnam maintained their attacking intensity and overwhelmed Myanmar for much of the contest.
In front of packed stands, the Golden Star Warriors treated their supporters to a four-goal performance that demonstrated the variety within their attacking arsenal.
A well-worked team goal? Vietnam had one. Nguyen Xuan Son combined with Nguyen Tai Loc and Do Hoang Hen in a slick attacking move that produced the opening goal after just five minutes.
A cross and header? That came too. Truong Tien Anh delivered the assist for Pham Xuan Manh, who headed home to double Vietnam’s advantage in the 39th minute.
A long-range strike? Do Hoang Hen provided it, firing a precise low shot from outside the penalty area in the 59th minute to make it 3-0.
And a penalty? Vietnam completed the set. Nguyen Dinh Bac won the spot kick before stepping up to convert it himself in the 90th minute, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
Vietnam attacked from the opening whistle, took an early lead and maintained their attacking ambition until the final moments. Dinh Bac’s celebratory dance after scoring the fourth goal, combined with the excitement sweeping through the stands, perfectly captured the festive atmosphere that Vietnamese football officials have long hoped to create around national team matches.
It was not, however, a flawless performance. Myanmar still managed to create several opportunities that forced debutant goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang into action. It must also be remembered that this was only a friendly, meaning the result should be viewed in the proper context.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere at Thai Nguyen Stadium was real. Vietnam’s attacking power was evident, and the confidence generated by such a convincing victory could provide an important psychological boost for both the team and its supporters ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026.
Interestingly, the events on the pitch also reflected many of the comments made in the build-up to the match.
Before kickoff, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) made the relatively rare announcement that tickets for a national team friendly had sold out. Head coach Kim Sang-sik openly praised the quality and depth of Vietnam’s attacking options, naming several players as examples. Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and Dinh Bac all went on to find the net against Myanmar.
Myanmar head coach Jorn Andersen, meanwhile, had acknowledged before the match that losing to a higher-ranked Vietnam side would not be unexpected. After the final whistle, the Norwegian coach admitted that Vietnam had been the superior team and fully deserved their victory.
Kim Sang-sik, for his part, said his coaching staff would continue exploring different tactical options ahead of the ASEAN Cup while expressing hope that supporters would continue backing the national team throughout their title-defense campaign.
The relatively calm reaction from both coaching staffs to the 4-0 result also suggested that the difference in quality displayed on the pitch was no illusion. At the same time, the enthusiasm generated among supporters could lead to significant demand for tickets when Vietnam begin their ASEAN Cup campaign.
Ultimately, the emphatic victory at Thai Nguyen Stadium served as a powerful statement to Vietnam’s regional rivals. As the reigning champions prepare to defend their Southeast Asian crown, the image emerging is increasingly clear: a Vietnam side determined to play attacking football, strengthened by new additions and driven forward by passionate support from the stands.
The 4-0 victory over Myanmar may have been only a friendly, but it provided an encouraging glimpse of what Vietnam hope to bring to the ASEAN Cup 2026.
VSN/RPT
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