Vietnam team 'decodes' Singapore before thinking about Indonesia

Tomorrow's match against Singapore at My Dinh Stadium (July 31) is more than just a battle for the Group A lead in the 2026 ASEAN Cup; it is also a test of Vietnam's nerve and focus. If they want to reach the "early final" against Indonesia at Pakansari, Vietnam must first secure a full three points against Singapore.

After a resounding 7-0 victory over Timor Leste, Vietnam's confidence is very high. The team also has the advantage of having a rest in the second matchday due to the five-team group, giving them extra time to recover physically, review tactics, and adjust the shortcomings exposed in the opening match. This is a favorable condition for coach Kim Sang Sik to prepare thoroughly for the reception of Singapore.

However, euphoria can sometimes be a double-edged sword. As Indonesia displays football that is no less competitive than Vietnam, public opinion has begun to focus on the decisive match against the island nation. Therefore, the biggest risk is that Vietnam might inadvertently underestimate their immediate opponent. In a short tournament like the ASEAN Cup, any complacency could come at a very high cost.

Singapore may not have a superior squad, but they are certainly not coming to My Dinh to be a punching bag. Two consecutive wins over Cambodia and Timor Leste have given the Lion City team a perfect 6 points, temporarily leading Group A and full of opportunities to spring a surprise. Coach Gavin Lee's men understand that if they can get a positive result in Hanoi, the door to the semifinals will be wide open.

Singapore is not afraid of the defending champions. Coach Gavin Lee declared that his team has prepared very well tactically, and sees the pressure of fans' expectations as motivation for the whole team to move forward. That is the mindset of a group that wants to change their status, not a team coming to My Dinh with the goal of merely limiting the scoreline.

In terms of professionalism, Singapore is capable of causing trouble for Vietnam if the hosts do not enter the match with the highest concentration. The visitors have striker Ilhan Fandi who is strong in aerial duels, Song Ui Young with good speed and acceleration, Anuar experienced in finishing, while Nakamura and Harris Harun bring calmness and quality to the midfield.

Singapore may not have much possession, but the option of proactive defense followed by waiting for counterattack opportunities is a likely choice for Coach Gavin Lee. This is also a scenario that requires Vietnam to be especially cautious, because even in the win over Timor Leste, our team's defensive system still showed gaps during the transition from attack to defense.

That is why Coach Kim Sang Sik decided to hold a closed training session before the match. Besides keeping personnel and tactics secret, the Korean strategist clearly wants his players to focus on addressing remaining issues. A solid defense will be the foundation for Vietnam to control the game against an opponent that tends to play deep and wait for mistakes.

On the other hand, Vietnam's attack also needs more options to approach the goal. Seven goals against Timor Leste is an impressive number, but the opponent was not of high caliber. Against a Singapore side that organizes a tighter defense, the challenge will be greater for Vietnam.

Another plus for Coach Kim Sang Sik's team is the home advantage. After a long period of playing in various locations, the team has returned to the national My Dinh Stadium. This creates a special atmosphere as the capital's fans eagerly line up to buy tickets to support the team. Packed stands will provide a huge boost of motivation for the players in the race for the top spot.

It is not ruled out that Coach Kim Sang Sik will make personnel adjustments if Vietnam establishes a safe lead, in order to save energy for the away trip to Indonesia three days later. But any rotation plan only makes sense when the three points are already secured. If they think about Indonesia too early, Vietnam could easily fall into a difficult situation right at My Dinh.