Vietnam's team faces Cambodia: 'Backup players' will step up

A 3-0 win away in Indonesia has given Vietnam the initiative in the battle for first place in Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Yet, for the game against Cambodia at 8:00 PM on August 7, Coach Kim Sang Sik's objective is still to secure the full three points.

But this is also an appropriate time for players who have had limited playing time since the start of the tournament to get their chance on the pitch.

After three group-stage matches with a dense schedule, squad rotation is no longer a choice but almost a mandatory requirement.

Aheadof the Vietnam national teamis likely a semi-final round with higher intensity, so preserving fitness and avoiding unnecessary injuries for important pillars such as Hoang Duc, Thanh Chung, Van Vi, or Thanh Long should be prioritized.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has proven he is not afraid to make changes. Before the Indonesia match, benching Quang Hai, Xuan Son, or Hoang Hen surprised many, but ultimately delivered Vietnam's most convincing victory of the tournament so far. This shows that every position can be contested if the player meets tactical requirements.

The match againstCambodiais an opportunity for names like Gia Hung, Van Do, Viet Cuong, Ngoc My, Tuan Tai, Gia Bao, and Quang Kiet to prove their abilities. These are all players who have been waiting for their chance since the start of the tournament and are always ready if given the trust.

This very novelty could make it difficult for Cambodia to prepare. When the opponent lacks data to analyze these less-used players, Vietnam will have more unpredictable attacking options. This is also a way for Coach Kim Sang Sik to create additional tactical solutions before entering the knockout stage.

Of course, rotation does not mean complacency. The lesson from the draw against Singapore at My Dinh Stadium at the end of last month is still valuable. When unable to make an early difference, Vietnam faced great difficulties against the opponent's tight defensive system.

Therefore, if using a lineup with many new faces, it is crucial that the remaining key players quickly help the team take the lead to reduce pressure and create conditions for the substitutes to play more confidently.

In fact, Cambodia has no remaining objective after being eliminated and is also missing many key players due to injuries. However, a team with nothing to lose often plays very freely. If Vietnam enters the match without focus, a surprise could easily happen.

The positive aspect is thatCoach Kim Sang Sikis building a collective where any player is ready to take the field. Hai Long himself once shared that every member prepares mentally to play at any moment. That is an important foundation for a team aiming to go far.

If the "backup players" make good use of their opportunity against Cambodia, Vietnam will not only aim for a win and the top spot in Group A. More importantly, Coach Kim Sang Sik will gain further insights into personnel options ahead of the semi-finals, where every change can decide success or failure.

A strong team does not only need 11 excellent players, but also a collective that is always ready to step up when given the chance. That is exactly what fans expect to witness at My Dinh Stadium on the evening of August 7.