Vietnam - Singapore: ASEAN Cup champions display their strength

Vietnam is aiming to secure all three points to gain an advantage in the race for a semifinal berth, while also building momentum for their away trip to Indonesia.

In the opening match against a weak opponent like Timor Leste, there were not many notable tactical issues. The clearest impression from that game was the defending champions showcasing a powerful attack, with Nguyen Dinh Bac shining (scoring a hat-trick), while the Brazilian-born naturalized duo Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen contributed three goals.

In this match, Vietnam's attack will be further strengthened as naturalized striker Nguyen Tai Loc may take the field after recovering from injury. This Brazilian-born naturalized player boasts a very skillful left foot and a highly unpredictable style of play. His return gives coach Kim Sang-sik additional quality attacking options.

In this match, Vietnam will return to play at the "cauldron" of My Dinh. This stadium has witnessed Vietnam lift the AFF Cup (predecessor of ASEAN Cup) twice, in 2008 and 2018.

Hosting Singapore at My Dinh National Stadium this time holds special significance for Vietnam on their path to defend the Southeast Asian throne. The match is regarded as a "final" for the semifinal spot in the group. Coach Kim Sang-sik's side also desperately wants to take all three points in this match to boost confidence for their away game against Indonesia, considered the toughest opponent in Group A.

Singapore has been a rather "favorite" opponent for Vietnam in recent times. In the last five meetings, the Golden Star Warriors have been unbeaten against this opponent, winning three and drawing two. In the most recent encounter between the two teams in the 2024 ASEAN Cup semifinals, Vietnam won with an aggregate score of 5-1. Vietnam's last loss to Singapore dates back to the 1998 Tiger Cup (predecessor of ASEAN Cup) final.

Singapore has started the 2026 ASEAN Cup positively, beating Cambodia and Timor Leste to top Group A. If they win against Vietnam, Singapore will almost certainly secure their advancement. And that is seen as motivation for the Lions.

However, despite having a perfect six points, the performance of coach Gavin Lee's team has not been convincing. The hard-fought victories against Cambodia and Timor Leste show that the Lions are not overly strong. Additionally, constant travel and a dense match schedule have significantly drained Singapore's physical condition.

It can be said that the opponents Vietnam and Singapore have faced in Group A are not highly rated. Therefore, the showdown at My Dinh Stadium is truly seen as the first test for the ambitions of both sides.

The match between Vietnam and Singapore will take place at 8:00 PM on July 31. If they play to their full potential and make good use of the chances created, coach Kim Sang-sik's team can absolutely secure a resounding victory at My Dinh Stadium, thereby further affirming their status as defending champions and taking another step on the journey to retain the 2026 ASEAN Cup crown.

Expected starting lineups of the two teams
Vietnam: Patrik Le Giang, Van Hau, Thanh Chung, Xuan Manh, Tien Anh, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Van Vi, Dinh Bac, Xuan Son, Hoang Hen.
Singapore: Izwan Mahbud, Fandi Irfan, Harun, Tan Han Wei, Ui Yong Song, Stewart, Nakamura, Shahiran, Abdullah, Kweh Glen, Fandi Ilhan.