ASEAN HYUNDAI CUP 2026: Vietnam earns three crucial points

Head coach Kim Sang Sik made four changes to the starting lineup compared to the match against Singapore, with Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên starting on the bench. In their place, Hai Long and Tài Lộc were handed starting roles, supporting lone striker Đình Bắc. In midfield, Thành Long replaced Quang Hải alongside Hoàng Đức. In defence, Kim Sang Sik deployed Việt Anh as the right-sided centre-back, while Xuân Mạnh replaced Văn Hậu on the left.

The changes made by Kim Sang Sik helped Vietnam make a confident start, catching the hosts off guard. In the 6th minute, Vietnam won possession from Indonesia, with Hai Long finding Hoàng Đức on the edge of the box. The captain then produced a clever through ball for Văn Vĩ to race into the area and finish into the near corner, beating goalkeeper Nadeo to give Vietnam a 1-0 lead.

The early goal broke the deadlock and lifted Vietnam’s confidence. Just nine minutes later, Kim Sang Sik’s side doubled their advantage. This time, it was Hai Long — one of the new faces in the starting lineup — who found the net.

Receiving a perfectly weighted through ball from Thành Long, Hai Long accelerated into the penalty area. In the one-on-one situation, the No. 18 midfielder kept his composure and fired a low right-footed shot into the near corner, beating goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata to make it 2-0 for Vietnam.

Conceding two goals in quick succession affected Indonesia’s morale. The hosts pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, but Vietnam’s disciplined and well-organised defence made it difficult for Thom Haye and his teammates to find a route to goalkeeper Lê Giang’s goal.

Throughout the first half, Indonesia managed just two notable attempts. Among them, Mitchel Baker’s header that narrowly missed the post gave Vietnamese fans a real scare.

After the restart, Indonesia pushed higher up the pitch in search of a goal, but the team in white remained solid at the back. Head coach Kim Sang Sik then introduced Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên to put pressure back on the hosts. Just minutes after coming on, Xuân Son scored to extend Vietnam’s lead.

In the closing stages, Indonesia continued to push forward in search of a consolation goal. However, Vietnam’s defence, marshalled by Lê Giang, remained outstanding and frustrated all of the hosts’ attempts on goal.

Vietnam held on to secure a convincing 3-0 victory, taking a major step towards reaching the semi-finals of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.

For his impressive performance, Văn Vĩ was voted Player of the Match.

Following the victory over Indonesia, Vietnam will return home to face Cambodia in their final group-stage match at 20:00 on 7 August.