Kuala Lumpur, 14 August 2026 – Vietnam are stepping up preparations for their ASEAN Championship 2026 semifinal first leg against Malaysia, with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) focusing on physical recovery, logistics and team unity ahead of the crucial encounter in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking before Vietnam’s training session on August 14, VFF Vice President and national team delegation head Tran Anh Tu provided an update on the squad after almost two months together since beginning their training camp on June 12.
The extended campaign has involved multiple training camps, international trips and matches at different venues, placing significant demands on both the players and the VFF’s logistical operations.
“We have been together for nearly two months, starting from June 12. Preparing for such a long period is really not easy. From training camps and traveling abroad for matches to arranging the team’s accommodation and meals, it involves a huge amount of work.”
The VFF has worked to ensure suitable accommodation, transportation, training facilities and recovery conditions throughout the tournament. Recovery has been particularly important following several demanding journeys during the group stage.
Tran Anh Tu said the measures have produced positive results, with the players returning to training in good physical condition after arriving in Malaysia.
“After difficult and tiring journeys, the team has prepared well to help the players recover quickly. Today, after traveling, the whole squad trained in a very positive atmosphere and showed very good physical condition.”
Another consideration is the playing surface in Kuala Lumpur. Vietnam will compete on a type of grass that is not commonly used at home, but Tran Anh Tu played down concerns, noting that many V.League players have experienced similar conditions at Go Dau Stadium in Binh Duong.
The coaching staff have also briefed the players on the surface and appropriate equipment, including footwear, to help them adapt quickly.
Meanwhile, the relatively long break between the group stage and semifinals has given Vietnam valuable time to recover from fatigue and minor fitness problems. However, Tran Anh Tu acknowledged that the extended layoff could also affect the team’s competitive rhythm.
“When we are in a good rhythm and then have a long break like this, it obviously has an impact. Of course, the head coach and his assistants will prepare specific training exercises to address that issue. This is a common challenge for all four semifinalists.”
Tran Anh Tu also addressed criticism of captain Nguyen Quang Hai following some of his performances during the group stage. He stressed that the VFF and coaching staff remain confident in the midfielder and that individual performances should be judged over a longer period.
“We have always trusted Quang Hai. Quang Hai remains a great player. One poor match is not enough to conclude that a player has declined or become worse.”
Looking at Vietnam’s consistent performances in regional competitions, Tran Anh Tu identified unity and determination as key strengths of the national team. Vietnam have regularly reached the latter stages of Southeast Asia’s biggest tournament since 2018, and he believes the players’ commitment when representing their country remains fundamental to that success.
“Whether we become champions or not, I think the most important thing is the spirit of the team. The team’s unity is also a very powerful factor that has helped us achieve the good results we have enjoyed up to this point.”
With recovery, tactical preparation and logistical arrangements in place, Vietnam are now fully focused on their semifinal challenge.
The ASEAN Championship 2026 semifinal first leg between Malaysia and Vietnam will kick off at 20:00 Vietnam time on August 16 at Kuala Lumpur Stadium, before the two teams meet again in Hanoi for the decisive second leg.
VSN/RPT
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