Midfielder Hai Long: 'Every match is important'

Prior to the encounter with Cambodia in the last group stage fixture of the 2026 ASEAN Championship, midfielder Nguyen Hai Long affirmed that the Vietnamese side is concentrating all efforts on winning to conclude the group phase on a high note.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Hai Long revealed that the entire squad has drawn valuable lessons from their performance at My Dinh Stadium, which did not meet expectations. According to the Vietnam midfielder, with another chance to play at home, the players are determined to display a more positive attitude and aim for a victory over Cambodia.

"As the head coach mentioned, in the previous match at My Dinh Stadium, Vietnam did not play as well as hoped. This time, playing at home, the whole team is very determined to win. What has happened is in the past—I don't want to revisit the goal celebration incident against Indonesia. Right now, the team is fully focused on preparing for the match against Cambodia. Personally, every match is important, and if I get the chance to play, I will give my all for the national team."

When asked about the notable celebration after scoring against Indonesia in the previous round, Hai Long declined to comment further. The 2000-born midfielder confirmed that everything is behind them, and the key now is for the whole team to concentrate fully on the upcoming match.

"What has happened is in the past. Right now, the whole team is focusing 100% on preparing for the match against Cambodia," Hai Long shared.

Regarding his personal goals, the Hanoi FC player stated that he is always ready when coach Kim Sang Sik gives him the chance. Hai Long emphasized that every match carries great significance, and if he takes the field, he will strive to give his best for the national team, helping Vietnam achieve the objective of taking all three points and defending the top spot in Group A.