Vietnam vs Cambodia: Coach Kim Sang-sik's Strategic Calculations

Having accumulated 7 points from three games, Vietnam requires just one point from their final group match against the Cambodian side to advance to the semifinals. A win would see Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad clinch the top spot in Group A. This should not be a tough task for the Golden Star Warriors, as they have won all 11 previous encounters with Cambodia.

Finishing first offers several benefits, notably the right to host the semifinal and final second legs. Additionally, Vietnam would avoid the Group B winner—likely Thailand—a more dangerous opponent that would demand greater energy in the semifinals.

In theory, Kim Sang-sik's side could be eliminated only if they lose 0-9 to Cambodia while Indonesia defeats Singapore 1-0, leaving Vietnam with a goal difference of +1 versus Singapore's +2.

Vietnamese players are riding high on confidence after a convincing win over Indonesia at Pakansari Stadium. That triumph not only reaffirmed their "Southeast Asian champions" status but also demonstrated the resilience and self-belief of Kim Sang-sik's squad.

Beyond advantages in points, squad quality, and historical matchups, Kim Sang-sik's men currently enjoy superior form and tactical flexibility. A victory over Cambodia would restore the Golden Star Warriors' confidence at My Dinh Stadium. This venue has seen Vietnam crowned Southeast Asian champions twice, but also some disappointing outcomes, most recently a draw with Singapore. Vietnam's last win at this stadium came on June 6, 2024—Mr. Kim Sang-sik's debut match, where they defeated the Philippines 3-2 in the Asian zone of World Cup 2026 qualifying.

Facing a weaker opponent that has already been eliminated, this is a perfect chance for Coach Kim Sang-sik to rotate his squad and ensure optimal fitness for the semifinals.

Cambodia is already out of contention, with just three points from a win over Timor Leste and losses to Indonesia and Singapore. The team aims to play for pride in their final match of the tournament.

For this game, Vietnamese fans are especially looking forward to striker Nguyen Xuan Son shining. The Nam Dinh forward has netted against every Southeast Asian team he has encountered: Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Timor Leste, and Indonesia. In official matches, Xuan Son has racked up 12 goals against 7 Southeast Asian nations.
yet he has never found the net against Cambodia.

Xuan Son is undoubtedly eager to score against Cambodia. If he succeeds, he will extend his remarkable record—raising the number of Southeast Asian teams he has scored against to eight.

The Vietnam-Cambodia match kicks off at 8 PM on August 7. Coach Kim Sang-sik's side wants a win, but they don't need to chase statistics or extend records. The priority is strategic planning, preserving player energy, and preparing optimally for the upcoming knockout stages.

Predicted lineups for both teams
Vietnam: Patrik Lê Giang, Văn Hậu, Thành Chung, Xuân Mạnh, Tiến Anh, Quang Hải, Hoàng Đức, Văn Vĩ, Đình Bắc, Xuân Son, Hoàng Hên
Singapore: Izwan Mahbud, Fandi Irfan, Harun, Tan Han Wei, Ui Yong Song, Stewart, Nakamura, Shahiran, Abdullah, Kweh Glen, Fandi Ilhan