Indonesia, 28 Sep 2026 – Coach Kim Sang-sik has made clear that his side will target victory over Thailand in their second FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 match as the defending champions look to take control of Group B and move closer to a place in the final.
Vietnam completed their final training session at Soccer Field Saraga ITB in Bandung on the afternoon of September 28 ahead of the highly anticipated meeting with Thailand. The session lasted around 50 minutes, with the players appearing relaxed but remaining fully focused on preparations for one of the most important matches of the group stage. Both teams have three points after their opening fixtures, although Thailand currently lead Group B on tiebreakers. Victory would therefore give either side a major advantage in the race to finish top of the group and secure a place in the final.
“This is a very important match tomorrow. We want to finish top of the group, so of course we have to prepare very well. I will do everything I can to win tomorrow’s match,” Kim said.
Vietnam and Thailand last met across the two legs of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final in July, when Kim’s side secured a 4-2 aggregate victory to lift the regional title. However, the South Korean coach believes those results have little relevance to their latest meeting and stressed that Vietnam have carefully studied Thailand’s current team, particularly their creative midfield. “The coaching staff have thoroughly analysed Thailand, from their match against Pakistan to the recent meetings between the two teams. Therefore, what Vietnam need to do tomorrow is perform to the best of our ability and make sure every player is at 100% physically,” Kim said. “Thailand’s players are all very good, while their midfield is very creative. The Thai players are also among the leading players in Southeast Asia. We have analysed them carefully.”
Kim also offered some insight into Vietnam’s tactical approach, revealing that his side will look to exploit space behind the Thai defence while attempting to execute their game plan effectively from the opening whistle. “We usually play well in the second half. Of course, we will look to exploit the space behind Thailand’s defence. In the first half, we will try to implement our tactics and give everything we have,” he explained.
Vietnam’s preparations have been complicated by the loss of striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who has been forced to withdraw from the remainder of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 because of injury. Xuan Son was taken to a hospital in Bandung for further examinations and is preparing to return to Vietnam for treatment. Tournament regulations do not allow Vietnam to call up a replacement, leaving Kim with a 22-player squad for the remainder of the competition.
“As a coach, I am truly very sad that Xuan Son has had to leave the team. At the same time, this is also a major loss for the Vietnam national team,” Kim said. “I would like to apologise to the Vietnamese fans, as well as the Nam Dinh supporters. I hope Xuan Son makes a full recovery and that we will see him again in the best possible condition.”
Without Xuan Son, Vietnam are likely to make adjustments to their attacking setup against Thailand. Nguyen Dinh Bac or Williams Minh Hoang could be deployed as the most advanced attacker, with both having already been tested in that role during the final 30 minutes of Vietnam’s 1-0 opening victory over the Philippines.
Vietnam will face Thailand at 7:30 p.m. on September 29 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, with top spot in Group B firmly in their sights.
VSN/RPT
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