The Vietnam team must cherish every goal.

Vic tory 7-0 against Timor Leste gave coach Kim Sang Sik and his players a rousing start in the 2026 ASEAN Cup, but Indonesia, the biggest rival of the Vietnam team, is closely following after the win over Cambodia with a score of 5-1. Because of that, theteam Vietnam needs to be mindful of the scenario where goal difference and number of goals could decide the group's top spot.

Both Vietnam and Indonesia won big in their opening matches. This situation could turn the race for the top spot into a competition not only about points but also about goal difference and total goals scored. The opening match against Timor Leste gave Vietnam a significant advantage in goal difference. However, Indonesia's 5-1 win over Cambodia shows that the direct rival is also pursuing an aggressive approach: not just winning, but also seeking to accumulate advantages for the long haul.

Indonesia now has a different look thanks to its naturalization policy, using 12 players of foreign origin, with 6 starting in the match against Cambodia. Players like Thom Haye help Indonesia improve ball control, while maintaining attacking speed and high pressing intensity.

That makes the direct clash between Vietnam and Indonesia no longer a match where coach Kim Sang Sik and his players can aim for just a draw. A point at Pakansari Stadium on August 3 could be useful in the points race, but it may not guarantee the top spot if tiebreakers become the deciding factor.

Therefore, the goal of coach Kim Sang Sik and his players does not stop at achieving favorable results against the remaining opponents. Vietnam needs to maintain its scoring efficiency, because the lesson from the 2021 tournament shows that tiebreakers can change the opponent in the knockout stage.

The memory of the 2021 tournament is the clearest reminder of the value of each goal. At that time, Vietnam drew 0-0 with Indonesia. At the end of the group stage, both teams had 10 points and a goal difference of +9, but Vietnam ranked behind because it scored 9 goals, fewer than Indonesia's 13.

Pakansari is also a place with unpleasant memories. Ten years ago, Vietnam lost 1-2 to Indonesia there in the first leg of the 2016 tournament semifinal and later failed to reach the final. This reunion is even more difficult as Indonesia has changed its squad, pursuing an active playing style instead of the defensive approach seen in the 2021 and 2022 Southeast Asian championships.

Before facing Indonesia, Vietnam will take on Singapore on July 31. Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players have more rest days and play at home. This is a favorable condition for Vietnam to both control risks and aim for a victory that creates a further cushion in goals. It can be seen that Singapore is no easy challenge, as the opponent is in high form with a particularly troublesome aerial game. Therefore, Kim Sang Sik and his players need to be extremely vigilant against the opponent's very dangerous aerial play.

To fully neutralize the opponent's aerial game, Vietnam's defense must maintain high concentration in positioning and communication. The center-backs need to proactively cover and minimize the space for opponents to jump freely in the penalty area. At the same time, the midfield plays a key role in stepping up to intercept, controlling the second-ball area to cut off Singapore's continuous attacks, thereby setting the stage to control the game and aim for a favorable result.

With an impressive start, Vietnam has gained extra motivation for the journey ahead. However, the greatest value of that start will only be confirmed and continued if Vietnam keeps taking advantage of opportunities in the following matches. In Group A, every successful finish could be the difference between the top spot, the next opponent in the semifinals, and the entire path to the crown.