Coach Kim Sang Sik's 'Headache'

A 7-0 win against Timor Leste in the ASEAN Cup 2026 opener did more than just give Vietnam the lead in Group A—it revealed the fearsome power of their forward line under Coach Kim Sang Sik. As Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, Dinh Bac, and Quang Hai each scored, with many other dangerous attacking players still waiting on the bench, Vietnam possesses a rare variety of options as they aim to retain their Southeast Asian championship.

If I had to pick the biggest highlight for Vietnam after the Timor Leste match, it wouldn't just be the seven goals or the top spot in Group A—it would be the sense of excitement generated by their attack.

It has been a long time since fans witnessed a Vietnam team with so many scoring options. No longer relying on a single individual or waiting for a moment of brilliance from Son as in previous years, Coach Kim Sang Sik is now building a collective where any forward can become the match-winner.

The seven goals against Timor Leste came from four different players—clear evidence of this depth. Dinh Bac shone with his first hat-trick for the national team. Hoang Hen scored a classy brace. Xuan Son also got on the scoresheet, and Quang Hai capped off a perfect day with the seventh goal.

Four faces, four styles, but together they form a highly creative attack. Dinh Bac brings speed, explosiveness, and ambition. Hoang Hen is cool and composed in decisive moments.

Xuan Son remains the powerful target man, adept at holding up the ball, stretching defenses, and willing to sacrifice personal glory for the team. Quang Hai, with his leadership class, knows exactly when to appear to make the difference.

That is what pleases Coach Kim Sang Sik more than the scoreline. More importantly, this strength is not all that Vietnam has to offer. The Korean tactician still has many cards up his sleeve that haven't been fully played.

Ngoc My and Gia Hung, two hungry forwards, patiently wait for their chance on the bench. Once the match against Timor Leste was settled, Coach Kim Sang Sik introduced Hai Long, Viet Cuong, and Van Do, even deploying them as the highest forwards to test new options.

That is not just squad rotation but also a message from Coach Kim Sang Sik to the whole team: anyone can get an opportunity if they perform well.

One of the most commendable aspects of Vietnam under Coach Kim Sang Sik is the evenly spread desire to play. Not only the starters but also the substitutes immediately raise the tempo, press aggressively, and actively seek scoring chances.

After the Timor Leste match, that goal is gradually becoming reality. Notably, Vietnam still has a highly anticipated card in Nguyen Tai Loc. If this striker recovers in time for the next matches, the attack will become even more diverse. Tai Loc excels at roaming, clever handling, and creating breakthroughs in tight spaces—a useful player against packed defenses.

That is something Vietnam must prepare for. After Timor Leste, opponents like Singapore or Indonesia will certainly not play open football. They will likely drop deep, organize multi-layered defenses, and wait for counterattacks. Those "concrete blocks" are always a tough puzzle for any team.

But unlike before, Coach Kim Sang Sik now has many solutions. The matches against Singapore and Indonesia will be the real test for Vietnam's attack. If they maintain the same flexibility, rotation ability, and fighting spirit as in the opener, Vietnam can fully believe in a successful title defense. Because a team aiming for the highest peaks cannot rely on just one star. That is exactly why today's Vietnam is more exciting to watch.