Vietnam - Singapore: 'Reigniting the Fire' at My Dinh

This is an important match for both teams in securing a spot in the semi-finals. Vietnam currently sits second in Group A with 3 points, but has played one match less than Singapore. Hosting the Singapore Lions is considered a pivotal game for Vietnam. If they win, Coach Kim Sang-sik and his players will gain high confidence before a difficult away trip to Indonesia.

Singapore currently leads the group after two wins against Cambodia and Timor Leste. If they beat Vietnam, Singapore will have 9 points and secure a semi-final berth. Therefore, despite the difficulty, in the pre-match press conference, Coach Gavin emphasized that he and his players are aiming for victory right at My Dinh.

In the two victories of Coach Gavin Lee's team in this tournament, a notable aspect of their play is their attacking organization. They constantly exploit space on the flanks and deliver accurate crosses into the box. This is the weapon that makes the Singapore Lions different. Three of Singapore's four goals in the tournament so far have come from crossing and heading scenarios.

It can be seen that all of Singapore's dangerous attacks originate from the wings. Their wingers possess speed, good crossing ability, and frequently push forward, while Ilhan Fandi is the final destination with impressive positioning, holding off defenders, and aerial ability.

In this match, the most important task for Vietnam's defense is not only to closely mark Ilhan Fandi but also to cut off the supply from the flanks. If Vietnam's full-backs and wingers can lock down the players who frequently deliver crosses, Singapore will be forced to change their approach.

When there is no space to operate on the flanks, Singapore will likely resort to long balls aimed directly at Ilhan Fandi. This will be a much easier option to neutralize. And when the spearhead Fandi is isolated, the Lions' attacking power will certainly diminish significantly.

In this match, Vietnam plays at home at My Dinh. However, for Coach Kim Sang-sik, this stadium does not hold many fond memories. In his early days, the Korean strategist was not successful at My Dinh. After a hard-fought and unconvincing win over the Philippines in his debut with Vietnam, in two international friendlies in October 2024 at My Dinh, Vietnam lost 1-2 to Thailand and 0-3 to Russia.

But unlike two years ago, Coach Kim Sang-sik now understands Vietnamese football better. The Korean tactician is no longer in the position of having to take over a team built by his predecessor. The current Vietnam squad is personally monitored, nurtured, and cultivated by him and his staff. This is also the time when the Golden Star Warriors are gathering their strongest resources.

The current strength of the Vietnam national team, alongside experienced domestic players like Quang Hải, Hoàng Đức, Văn Lâm, includes young talents reaching their prime such as Đình Bắc, Trung Kiên, Văn Khang, Nhật Minh. Additionally, the presence of overseas Vietnamese and naturalized players like Hoàng Hên, Tài Lộc, Lê Giang Patrik represents a significant upgrade in squad quality compared to before.

The player receiving the most attention in this clash between Vietnam and Singapore is still striker Nguyễn Xuân Son. Two years ago, this striker made the Lions pick the ball out of their net three times in both legs of the 2024 ASEAN Cup semi-finals.

Xuân Son is the top cannon of the Vietnam national team. Most recently, the Nam Định striker also scored a goal in the 7-0 victory over Timor Leste, bringing his total goals to 12 in 10 appearances for the Vietnam national team.

Xuân Son is a striker who has a special affinity with Vietnam. In 10 appearances for the national team, he has only failed to score in two matches: the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final against Thailand (a match where he broke his leg after 34 minutes) and the 3-0 friendly win over Bangladesh in March of this year.

In this rematch, Singapore is not only worried about Xuân Son but also has to fear two other Brazilian-origin strikers of Vietnam: Hoàng Hên and Tài Lộc.

The Vietnam national team is maintaining a brilliant run of form. Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad has won 18 consecutive matches. Vietnam's unbeaten streak against Singapore also extends since their loss in the 1998 Tiger Cup final.

With high form and a squad strengthened over time, Coach Kim Sang-sik and Vietnam are very confident in their return to My Dinh this time.

Playing at home, with a squad rated higher—featuring the region's top strikers and a defense that is being rejuvenated yet remains extremely solid—Vietnam is confident in achieving the goal of taking all three points, even an easy victory over the Lions.

The match between Vietnam and Singapore will take place at 8:00 PM on July 31. In the 28 years since the painful defeat at Hàng Đẫy Stadium in the 1998 Tiger Cup final (predecessor of the current ASEAN Cup), Vietnam has never lost to Singapore again. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his players must still be cautious, as Singapore has an annoying playing style and also wants to take points from Vietnam to compete for a semi-final spot.