Expert Doan Minh Xuong: 'Vietnam National Team Secures a Narrow Win Over Singapore'

Vietnam enters a decisive match in the ASEAN Cup 2026, taking on Singapore at My Dinh Stadium. The task is formidable because Singapore is riding high on confidence and excels at a difficult aerial style of play.

Analyst Doan Minh Xuong believes Vietnam is the stronger side against Singapore and expects them to secure three points in this match: "With superior squad depth and home advantage, Vietnam is likely to control the game. Singapore can cause problems with their physical approach and aerial ability, but if Vietnam maintains the ball circulation speed shown in their opening match, a full three points are within reach for Coach Kim Sang Sik's team."

Regarding the match, expert Doan Minh Xuong shared: "It's clear that Singapore is full of confidence. Coach Gavin Lee's team has collected six points from two wins over Cambodia and Timor Leste. A relaxed mindset and a favorable start have Singapore brimming with confidence ahead of their away trip to My Dinh. However, despite taking full points from the first two matches, Singapore's performances have not been entirely reassuring. Their main attacking approach relies heavily on crosses to exploit their aerial strength.

Although they do not focus on building complex passing patterns or boast many explosive young players, Singapore is extremely proficient at direct play. Their style is based on long diagonal balls aimed straight at the strikers or the wings, maximizing their physical advantage.

Coach Gavin Lee's consistent tactical objective is to create aerial duels, then organize pressure and regain possession through second balls. Players with impressive height such as Irfan Fandi, Lionel Tan, Jacob Mahner, Ryhan Stewart, Harhys Stewart, and Ihan Fandi make Singapore especially dangerous from set pieces and crosses aimed at the far post."

Expert Doan Minh Xuong believes Vietnam currently has the personnel and tactics to counter Singapore's aerial game: "Dealing with aerial threats was once a headache for Vietnamese football due to physical limitations. However, the situation has changed significantly. At this point, the Vietnamese team boasts very good height, ready for direct aerial contests.

Names like Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Doan Van Hau, Dinh Quang Kiet, Hoang Duc, Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, and Tai Loc provide considerable balance in aerial duels. Still, physical attributes alone are a necessary but not sufficient condition to ensure goal safety.

To effectively neutralize the opponent's aerial attacks, Vietnam's defense needs to maintain high concentration in positioning and communication. The center-backs must proactively cover and limit the space for opposing forwards to jump freely in the penalty area. Meanwhile, the midfield plays a crucial role in pushing up to intercept, controlling the second-ball zones to cut off Singapore's repeated assaults, thereby establishing control and moving toward a favorable result.

Vietnam's midfield also offers multiple ways to make a difference. Quang Hai can handle the ball in tight spaces, Hoang Duc controls the tempo, while Hai Long and Nguyen Tai Loc provide energy when used. Vietnam needs to move the ball quickly, stretch Singapore's defensive block, and then deliver the ball into the box.

Singapore is not an opponent to be underestimated. However, with squad quality, good form, and home support, the Vietnamese team will win this match."