ASEAN Cup 2026: Vietnam Team Completes Tactics Before Opening Match

According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the training session focused on improving defensive organization, enhancing coordination and cover between lines, while also continuing to sharpen attacking schemes to improve cohesion in play.

The team was not at full strength in this session as goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm had a right muscle issue and had to stay at the hotel for recovery training. Meanwhile, naturalized midfielder Nguyễn Tài Lộc only participated in the warm-up before training separately with the team doctor due to a calf strain. According to the medical department, both have minor injuries and are likely to return to normal training in the session on July 23.

Speaking to the media before the training session, defender Phạm Xuân Mạnh said the team has had thorough preparation after more than three weeks of training, including domestic training, a training camp in South Korea, practice matches, and an international friendly against Myanmar. According to the Hanoi FC player, the recent series of matches helped the coaching staff comprehensively evaluate the squad's capabilities and also built an important foundation before entering the tournament. After the win against Myanmar, the coaching staff held a technical meeting to analyze positive points and areas needing improvement, thereby adjusting the playing style to help the team reach its best state for the opening match. The 1996-born defender also revealed that Coach Kim Sang Sik is particularly focused on perfecting defensive organization, requiring players to increase on-field communication, improve coordination, support, and cover for each other. Simultaneously, the team continues to refine attacking plans to be ready for the match against Timor Leste.

Despite the absence of captain Đỗ Duy Mạnh, Xuân Mạnh affirmed that the defense has maintained its connection thanks to players regularly communicating and coordinating in training. According to him, the coaching staff has prepared multiple options to ensure the team maintains solidity in the defensive system.

Assessing opponent Timor Leste, Xuân Mạnh said the team is currently prioritizing perfecting their own play before entering the phase of in-depth analysis of the opponent. He emphasized: "At the moment, the whole team is focused on refining the tactical system and how to operate the game. The coaching staff will provide specific analysis of Timor Leste at an appropriate time."

As a member who contributed to the ASEAN Cup 2024 championship, Xuân Mạnh expressed pride in continuing to accompany the team on the journey to defend the title. The 30-year-old defender believes that defending a title is always much harder than winning it for the first time, especially when regional teams have all made significant progress. However, with thorough preparation, unity, and high determination, the team is confident in aiming to successfully defend the championship.

According to the schedule, on the afternoon of July 23, the Vietnam team will have an official training session at Chonburi Stadium to familiarize themselves with the pitch and finalize the last preparations before the match against Timor Leste. A victory on the opening day will create favorable momentum for coach Kim Sang Sik and his players to aim for becoming the first team in tournament history to successfully defend the ASEAN Cup title.