Vietnam's Team Accelerates in Thailand: Unexpected 'Incident' for Thanh Chung

Just days away from the tournament opener at the ASEAN Cup 2026, Vietnam's squad is pushing forward to complete the last steps of preparation in their initial practice session in Thailand.

The atmosphere on the training field under Coach Kim Sang Sik was very positive, but an unexpected incident occurred involving center-back Nguyen Thanh Chung.

After arriving in Thailand, the Vietnamese team quickly began training to adapt to the weather conditions and the pitch before launching their campaign to defend the Southeast Asian championship. The sessions are high-intensity yet full of enthusiasm, as the entire squad shows determination to achieve a favorable result in the opening match.

Coach Kim Sang Sik continues to dedicate time to refining tactical plans while assessing each player's form to select the optimal lineup for the first game.

One of the notable figures is young striker Nguyen Ngoc My. Making his first appearance in a senior national team camp for a major tournament, the 2004-born forward displays confidence and determination to compete for a spot.

"I am very surprised and happy to be part of the national team for the first time. My goal is to train well to have the opportunity to play and contribute for the honor of the country.

The whole team has completed the final preparations before the tournament. The players have great trust in the coaching staff. Each individual will do their best to build a united team aiming to defend the championship.

I have learned a lot from the senior players, especially about match experience. Since the camp started, many of them have guided me; everyone is very friendly and supportive.

For a young player, the most important thing is to gain experience and learn during the first call-up to the national team. As for competition, the coaching staff will evaluate and choose the most suitable lineup for each match.

The weather conditions in Vietnam and Thailand are quite similar, so the team will adapt well," Ngoc My said in an interview before the afternoon training session on July 21 in Chonburi, Thailand.

Ngoc My affirmed that being part of the Vietnamese national team is a great honor and sees it as an opportunity to prove his ability to the coaching staff. The young striker stated he is always ready if Coach Kim Sang Sik gives him a starting chance, and he will give his utmost in every training session to repay the coaching staff's trust.

The emergence of ambitious young players like Ngoc My also provides additional options for Vietnam's forward line amid the dense schedule of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's defense encountered a minor issue when center-back Nguyen Thanh Chung was bitten by an insect during the trip to Thailand. The bite caused the Hanoi FC player some difficulty in movement, and he had to be monitored by the medical staff.

However, according to the coaching staff, Thanh Chung's condition is not serious, and the 28-year-old defender can continue training with the team. The medical team will keep a close watch to ensure he is in the best possible state before the opening match.

With a highly determined training atmosphere and positive competition among positions, the Vietnamese team is showing readiness for the journey to defend the Southeast Asian crown. Besides refining tactics, Coach Kim Sang Sik also expects key players to maintain good physical foundations while young talents like Nguyen Ngoc My bring fresh energy to the squad for the ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign.

According to the plan, the Vietnamese team will continue training in Chonburi to complete the final preparations before facing Timor-Leste in the opening group stage match of the ASEAN Championship 2026, scheduled for July 24.