ASEAN Cup 2026: Vietnam National Team Advances to Semifinals with Top Group Standing

With home advantage and the aim of finishing top of Group A, Coach Kim Sang Sik's players took an active approach, controlling more possession and continuously launching attacks from the flanks.

However, the Cambodian players also showed confidence in their counterattacks. In the 14th minute, Samuel Bong stole the ball from Thanh Chung and charged forward to face goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, but failed to convert the opportunity to open the scoring.

The Vietnam team quickly regained control. In the 18th minute, Dinh Bac made a bold dribble from the middle, penetrated the penalty area, and then unleashed a sharp angled shot, beating goalkeeper Koy Salim to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal boosted Vietnam's morale, allowing them to maintain pressure on Cambodia's half. The visitors deliberately dropped deep, focused on defense, and waited for counterattack opportunities, leading to a tense final period of the first half. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Vietnam.

In the second half, Vietnam continued to control the game and created many chances toward Cambodia's goal. In the 71st minute, Cambodia surprisingly equalized 1-1. From a long ball over the top, Iago Bento sprinted past Xuan Manh and scored to level the match. In the 84th minute, Vietnam regained the lead. Xuan Son broke through on goal, his shot forced defender Im Vakhim, in an attempt to clear, to score an own goal, putting Vietnam ahead 2-1. In the 90+2 minute, Dinh Bac completed his brace. From a fast counterattack, the number 9 striker finished with technical precision, beating goalkeeper Salim Koy to make it 3-1 for Vietnam. This also became the final result of the match.

With the three points earned, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team rose to the top of Group A with 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw). Vietnam's opponent in the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals will be determined after two matches in Group B: Thailand vs. Myanmar and Malaysia vs. Philippines, both at 8:00 PM on August 8.

Singapore finished second in Group A following a 1-1 draw with Indonesia and advanced to the tournament semifinals, while Indonesia was officially eliminated.

Thailand currently leads Group B with 9 points from three wins. Second place is Malaysia with 6 points, while Myanmar also has 6 points but sits third due to a worse head-to-head record.