Vietnam National Team: The Challenge Has Only Just Begun

The 3-1 win against Cambodia did more than just secure Vietnam's top spot in Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage; it also ended a more than two-year winless streak at My Dinh Stadium.

That is a positive sign, an important mental anchor, but it is also time for the Vietnam national team to reflect on themselves before a much tougher journey in the semifinals.

My Dinh used to be a place wherethe Vietnam national teamachieved memorable victories. However, since defeating the Philippines 3-2 on June 6, 2024, this stadium has not brought joy to coach Kim Sang Sik's squad.

Defeats to Russia and Thailand, followed by a goalless draw against Singapore, increased the pressure at home.

Therefore, defeating Cambodia can be seen as a timely breakthrough. The Vietnam team not only topped the group with 10 points and an unbeaten record but also regained the feeling of winning in front of home fans.

More importantly, the Vietnam team still has a second-leg semifinal at My Dinh. With the psychological burden lifted, the home stadium can once again become a stronghold rather than a source of pressure.

But the victory overCambodiaalso showed that the Vietnam team still has much work to do. Cambodia had been eliminated and were considered weaker, but they still made Coach Kim Sang Sik's team go through a difficult match.

Vietnam controlled possession, applied pressure, and took the lead, but then allowed the opponent to equalize. Lapses in concentration and sluggishness in some attacking moves showed that the players were beginning to feel the effects of a packed schedule.

If they want to defend the title, Vietnam cannot rely on a fixed lineup. The deeper they go, the greater the demands on physical fitness, speed, and ability to handle pressure. Players who have played many matches need special care. Thanh Chung, Xuan Manh, Tien Anh, Van Vi, and other regular starters need to be carefully assessed for their physical condition.

On the other hand, players who have had less playing time must be ready to step in when needed. That is also somethingCoach Kim Sang Sikhas done quite well in the group stage. He continuously made surprising personnel decisions, at times benching Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, Quang Hai, or Van Hau, yet still helped the team secure a 3-0 victory over Indonesia.

Thanh Long is a prime example of the Korean coach's ability to rotate. When given the opportunity, the Cong An Ha Noi midfielder played excellently, freeing up Hoang Duc and creating a more balanced midfield. Thanh Long was one of the best performers in the last two matches, and the 30-year-old midfielder showed impressive maturity.

The semifinals will no longer be a place for ill-considered experiments. The break before this round is an opportunity forCoach Kim Sang Sikto review the entire squad, identify players in the best form, and prepare various tactical options.

Therefore, the victory over Cambodia should be viewed from two perspectives. On one hand, Vietnam completed its mission, topped the group, and broke the My Dinh curse. On the other hand, this match helped Coach Kim Sang Sik see the points that need adjustment before entering the decisive phase.

The championshipof the ASEAN Cup 2026still has a long way to go. After solving the home-stadium puzzle, it is time for Coach Kim Sang Sik to tackle more difficult problems regarding personnel, fitness, tactics, and composure in decisive matches.