Vietnam Team Before the 2026 ASEAN Cup Semifinal: Issues to Overcome

However, there are still issues that need adjustment. Coach Kim Sang-sik's "machine" will have to overcome the revealed limitations, namely lack of concentration and playing attitude, before entering the semifinal against Malaysia.

With 10 points from 4 matches, Vietnam topped Group A and advanced to the semifinals unbeaten, scoring 13 goals and conceding only once. However, the performance at My Dinh was not entirely convincing, as the home side missed many chances and had moments of lapses in concentration. The win over Cambodia also highlighted issues that Coach Kim Sang-sik needs to address, especially as the defense repeatedly exposed gaps.

After Dinh Bac opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Vietnam could not extend the lead. By the 71st minute, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team even allowed Cambodia to equalize 1-1. This was also the only goal conceded by Vietnam in the group stage of the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Looking only at the statistics, this number is still impressive. But considering the match flow, the goal revealed an issue that the coaching staff must pay special attention to: the ability to maintain concentration and intensity when the opponent accelerates.

After Cambodia equalized, Vietnam continued to come under more pressure. Thanks to a timely own goal by the opponent in the 84th minute and a brace from Dinh Bac, Vietnam rose to win the match 3-1. Otherwise, the situation could have become much more complicated for Vietnam.

More worryingly, Vietnam's defensive problems are not only due to individual errors. The disorganization has spread to many positions in the defense. In the match against Cambodia, Xuan Manh played inconsistently, Thanh Chung was hesitant in passing the ball from the back, and Le Giang Patrik also had a moment of uncertainty when dealing with a long-range shot from the opponent.

The match also showed that Vietnam lacked sharpness in the final third, despite creating many chances. Against opponents who sit deep, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team often struggles to find space to approach the goal. This scenario was also seen in the draw with Singapore.

Based on what was shown in the matches against Cambodia and Singapore, Vietnam will need to improve their chance conversion and defensive concentration. Because in both games, Vietnam created many dangerous situations but could not finish the game early. The defense also had moments of uncertainty, allowing opponents to transition and create danger.

The mistakes have not cost Vietnam too dearly. But in the semifinals, facing Malaysia known for their pragmatic style, abundant physical strength, and extreme sharpness in punishing opponents' mistakes. In the knockout stage, any lapse, no matter how small, could cost the ticket to advance. Vietnam needs to urgently re-establish tactical discipline in defense. Coach Kim Sang-sik will have to quickly fix these limitations during the break before the semifinal.

Besides, Vietnam is highly regarded for their pressing and counter-attacking ability, but to defend the title, the team needs additional effective attacking options when facing massed defensive systems.

The break before the semifinal is not only a time for players to recover physically, but also an opportunity for Vietnam to address the limitations exposed in the group stage.