ASEAN Cup 2026: Timor Leste Coach Reveals Unexpected Thing After Loss to Vietnam

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Southeast Asia, speaking after the match at the stadium in Chonburi Province (Thailand), the Portuguese strategist assessed that this result was not unexpected as Timor Leste faced one of the strongest contenders for the championship.

Coach Jose Pedro emphasized that the Vietnam team not only possesses many quality attackers but also an organized, well-balanced squad in every position. He believed his players made many mistakes and paid a heavy price, but the more important reason was that the opponent showed superior class and took complete control of the match early in the first half.

The 47-year-old manager viewed the heavy defeat as a necessary lesson for a very young team like Timor Leste. He stressed that only by going through difficult matches against top opponents can the players have the opportunity to mature, recognize their limitations, and continue to improve themselves.

Notably, Coach Jose Pedro expressed appreciation that Vietnam did not choose to rest their key players despite being rated superior. According to him, Coach Kim Sang Sik's use of the strongest lineup showed respect for Timor Leste and also reflected the defending champions' desire for victory.

The Portuguese strategist also admitted that even before kick-off, he had determined this would be an extremely difficult match. According to him, not only Timor Leste but any team in Southeast Asia fully understands the strength of the Vietnam team at present.

In the next match, Vietnam will return to My Dinh Stadium to host Singapore on July 31, while Timor Leste must seek their first points when facing Singapore themselves to keep hope alive for a spot in the next round. Coach Jose Pedro said the team will quickly put this result behind them and focus on the next match against Singapore. According to the plan, Timor Leste will travel to Singapore on July 25 and will have very little time to recover and prepare their squad.

On the Vietnam side, the 7-0 victory not only helped Coach Kim Sang Sik's team secure all three points but also set a record as the team's biggest win under the Korean strategist. The team also extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches, while moving to the top of Group A thanks to their superior goal difference.